What does the lactase enzyme do to contribute to overall health? Here are some of its roles and benefits within the human body: 1. Helps with Proper Digestion of Milk/Dairy Food supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a varied diet. Di Costanzo M, Berni Canani R. Lactose intolerance: common misunderstandings. Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73(Suppl 4):30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669 Lomer MC. Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41(3):262-275. doi:10.1111/apt.13041.

Lactase products are tablets or drops that contain lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. You can take lactase tablets before you eat or drink milk products. You can also add lactase drops to milk before you drink it. The lactase breaks down the lactose in foods and drinks, lowering your chances of having lactose intolerance symptoms. The most important job that the lactase enzyme has is catalyzing the breakdown of lactose (a disaccharide milk sugar), turning it into the simple sugars called glucose and galactose. Does lactase have side effects? If you have a pretty severe case of lactose intolerance, taking lactase pills might not do enough to prevent symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea. Ojetti V, Gigante G, Gabrielli M, Ainora M, et al. The effect of oral supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri or tilactase in lactose intolerant patients: randomized trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2010;14(3):163-170. Lactase is an enzyme produced by humans (and many other mammals and organisms) in the small intestine.Keep a log of the times when your baby’s colic is at its worst – you may be able to find a pattern associated with any triggers, allowing you to understand better how to ease the symptoms. Wait 30 minutes, shaking the formula occasionally, then feed your infant as normal, making sure that the formula is at the correct temperature. Although it is distressing, the most important thing to remember if your baby is affected by colic is to remain calm. People with lactose intolerance can take lactase enzyme supplements before eating foods that contain lactose/dairy to help their bodies digest the lactose sugar and limit symptoms. These supplements are forms of digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown of nutrients, assisting in efficient digestive function National Institutes of Health's Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. What people with lactose intolerance need to know about osteoporosis.

Children <4 years of age to be administered only under supervision of healthcare professional Administration References: 1. Kanabar D, Randhawa M, Clayton P. Improvement of symptoms in infant colic following reduction of lactose load with lactase. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2001;14(5):359-363. 2. Kearney PJ, Malone AJ, Hayes T, et al. A trial of lactase in the management of infant colic. J Hum Nutr Diet. 1998;11(4):281-285.Express a few tablespoons of breast milk into a small sterilised container. Add 4 drops of Care Co-Lactase® Lactase enzyme is destroyed by high heat; it works best in warm milk/formula (ie, body temperature ~98 degrees F) Care Co-Lactase® enzyme drops can be added to breast milk and formula milk every time you feed. Do not give the drops directly to your baby. Suitable from birth. Ramirez FC, Lee K, Graham DY. All lactase preparations are not the same: results of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol 1994;89:566-70. View abstract.

Baijal R, Tandon RK. Effect of lactase on symptoms and hydrogen breath levels in lactose intolerance: A crossover placebo-controlled study. JGH Open 2020;5(1):143-148. View abstract. Lactase enzyme pills usually come in doses between 3,000 and 9,000 international units per tablet. (This is the amount found in Lactaid Original and Lactaid Fast Act.) Food Supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be substituted for a varied diet or healthy lifestyle.Lactose that is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract undergoes fermentation in the colon by bacteria. This leads to symptoms like increased production of gas, stomach bloating, diarrhea, pain and general “intestinal distress.” Reduce the amount of dairy foods in your diet, or choose only lactose-reduced or lactose-free milks.

Add 4 drops of Care Co-Lactase® to the formula when at feeding temperature. Please note: do not add Care Co-Lactase® to the formula if it is hot.

You can experiment with eating yogurt and aged cheeses to see if these are better tolerated than milk. Yogurt is fermented and contains active cultures (beneficial probiotics) that can help with digestion, often even among people with lactose problems. Aged, hard cheeses contain less lactose and are usually tolerated in small amounts. Despite the characteristic inconsolable nature of the crying, it may be possible to reduce colic symptoms by trying different soothing techniques, as some babies may respond better to some techniques than others. You may find some of the following helpful: Unfortunately , there’s evidence that many adults have difficulty digesting lactose properly, due to low levels of lactase. There is currently no permanent cure for lactose intolerance, which is considered a lifelong/chronic condition that can only be managed. Permanent treatment isn’t possible (at least not yet) because no medication works to increase the amount of lactase your small intestine makes. Ahmed M, Billoo AG, Iqbal K, Memon A. Clinical efficacy of lactase enzyme supplement in infant colic: a randomised controlled trial. J Pak Med Assoc. 2018;68(12):1744-7. View abstract.