Lactase Enzyme Pills: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

The body runs on the successful interaction of thousands upon thousands of molecules. These molecules include certain vitamins and minerals that are obtained through the food that we eat, and certain proteins and enzymes that are made within the body itself.

While increasing our intake of key vitamins and minerals is relatively simple (we can simply eat more nutrient rich food), increasing the number of proteins and enzymes within the body through the natural means is a different story.

Which is why their supplementation can be so effective.

And one such enzyme that appears to offer a heap of benefit when supplemented under the right conditions is the enzyme Lactase.

What is Lactase?

Lactase is a specific type of digestive enzyme.

Digestive enzymes are a type of protein that are made by your body, and are secreted into your gastrointestinal tract (namely, into your small intestine). These enzymes help your gut breakdown large pieces of food into smaller molecules. These molecules are then absorbed into the body much easier.

In doing so, these enzymes reduce the physical stress placed on the gut by helping digest large food molecules. Additionally, digestive enzymes also promote the absorption of nutrients throughout the entire digestive system, while obviously helping in the absorption of essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Through each of these mechanism, digestive enzymes help stave off digestive dysfunction and promote health by ensuring the body has adequate nutrients available to function effectively.

Lactase is a specific digestive enzyme that is found in the small intestine. It is essential to the complete digestion of dairy, as it breaks down lactose (a sugar which gives milk its sweetness) into smaller molecules.

With this in mind, lactase deficiency is thought to be one of the primary causes for lactose intolerance. As such, the supplement of lactase enzymes can have some seriously positive effects on health and function.

What are the Benefits of Lactase Enzyme Supplements?

As lactase is unquestionably an important enzyme, it stands to reason that its supplementation can offer us some rather serious health benefits. As a result, we have taken an objective look at the research to determine where lactase enzyme supplements will in fact offer us the most benefit.

Do Lactase Enzymes Help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is one of the most common digestive issues in the world. Resulting in severe abdominal cramping, mucous within the stool, diarrhoea, constipation, and severe bloating, IBS also happens to be one of the most unpleasant and uncomfortable.

While its exact cause remains unclear, it has been hypothesised that an inability to breakdown and digest complex food molecules can result in irritation and damage to the walls of the intestine, leading to IBS symptoms.

As such, the supplementation of lactase enzymes appears to help treat IBS symptoms by helping breakdown these large food molecules, thus reducing the stress on the gut.

Do Lactase Enzymes Help with Lactose Intolerance?

People with lactose intolerance can experience nasty digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and abdominal bloating, after consuming foods containing lactose (namely dairy).

As previously mentioned, lactose intolerance is likely the result of deficiency in the enzyme lactase. As such, these symptoms occur because the body does not fully digest lactose.

With this in mind, the supplementation of lactase enzymes has been shown to cause large improvements in the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance by improving the breakdown and digestion of lactose in the gut.

Do Lactase Enzymes Help Enhance Nutrient Absorption?

As we have touched on, digestive enzymes breakdown large food molecules into smaller molecules, making them easier to digest. This process actually makes the vitamins and minerals found within that food much more available to the body – in which they are absorbed much more easily.

Given that dairy products are full to the brim with key vitamins and minerals, it has been hypothesized that the supplementation of lactase enzymes can improve their absorption – enhancing health in the process.

Through this interaction, lactase enzyme supplementation has been shown to increase the absorption of nutrients, which can have a myriad of positive effects through the body.  These can include improved immune system function, improved bone health, and improved metabolic health.

Best Lactase Enzyme Supplement Product Reviews

Given the positive implications associated with lactase supplementation, we wanted to give you some great options that you can begin to implement into your routine immediately.

Webber Naturals Ultra Lactase Enzyme

Our first option on the list is actually one of the most potent on the market. Produced using some extremely high-quality production processes, this great supplement provides a scientifically supported dosage of 9000 FCC pure lactase per serve.

Given the nature of this particular supplement, it offers an excellent way to enhance digestive health and stave off nasty digestive disorders such as IBS and lactose intolerance.

Kirkland Signature Fast Acting Lactase

When it comes to top quality supplements at affordable price pints, its hard to beat Kirkland.

Providing 9000 FCC of lactase per caplet, this is a great option that won’t break the bank, making it perfect for those on a budget. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

Lactaid Original Strength Lactase Enzyme

And last but not least we have this great option by Lactaid. Considered the original lactase enzyme supplement, this particular product is hands down the most popular on the market – and for very good reason too.

Providing 9000 FCC of lactase per serve, it offers an exceptional method of enhancing digestive health and function. And with over 1200 positive reviews on amazon, you can be certain of its exceptional quality.

Do Lactase Enzymes have any Side Effects?

Lactase has actually been approved by the FDA – namely due to the fact that it has no known side effects. If it is consumed in excessive dosages, the remainder appears to be excreted as waste without having an impact on the body.

Although it is important to note that not much is known about the use of lactase during pregnancy and breast-feeding. So, stay on the safe side and avoid use in wither of these scenarios.

What are the Optimal Dosages for Lactase Enzymes?

As with most supplements of this nature, there is no established recommended daily intake. However, research suggests that a dosage of 6000-9000 FCC appears to be more than enough to have a positive effect.

Conclusion

The digestive systems ability to break down and digest foods is imperative to the maintenance of normal health, not to mention normal digestive function. If this is impaired, we can see huge declines in digestive comfort and general health.

Which is exactly where lactase enzymes come into the discussion.

Demonstrating the capacity to enhance the digestion of carbohydrates and dairy products, lactase enzymes offer an extremely effective method of treating IBS and lactose intolerance, while also enhancing nutrient absorption.

As always, if you have had any experiencing using these supplements then we would love to hear about it – so drop us a comment and we will get back to you ASAP!