Lactase Enzyme
Also known as: β-galactosidase, Lactaid®, Tilactase
Microbial β-galactosidase (typically from Aspergillus oryzae or Kluyveromyces lactis) catalyses lactose hydrolysis. Activity is measured in FCC Lactase Units (ALU); the dose needed is proportional to the lactose load consumed.
Last reviewed: 2025-01-15 · 2 indexed studies
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Overview
A targeted enzyme replacement for individuals who have lost endogenous lactase activity (≈68% of adults globally). Hydrolyses lactose into absorbable glucose and galactose, eliminating fermentation-driven gas, bloating, and diarrhoea.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Hydrolyses the β-1,4 glycosidic bond of lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine, allowing normal monosaccharide absorption and preventing colonic fermentation by gut bacteria.
Physiological Role
Replaces the brush-border lactase that declines after weaning in lactase non-persistent individuals.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Allows lactose-intolerant athletes to use whey and dairy protein sources without GI distress that would otherwise impair training and recovery.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 3000 FCC ALU per 12g lactose serving
- Optimal Range
- 6000–9000 FCC ALU per dairy meal
- Upper / Caution Level
- No established upper limit
- Timing
- Immediately before, or with, the first bite of the dairy-containing food
- Best Format
- Chewable tablet or capsule taken at the table
- Bioavailability
- Acts locally; not absorbed.
- Absorption Considerations
- Enzyme is destroyed by gastric acid if taken too long before food.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Essentially none reported
Contraindications
- Galactosaemia (galactose still produced)
Drug Interactions
- •None
Who Should Avoid
- •Patients with galactosaemia
Monitoring
None.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Lactase Enzyme typically used or indicated?
Lactase Enzyme is most commonly used for: Lactose intolerance, Dairy tolerance, Bloating after dairy. Replaces the brush-border lactase that declines after weaning in lactase non-persistent individuals.
How does Lactase Enzyme work?
Hydrolyses the β-1,4 glycosidic bond of lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine, allowing normal monosaccharide absorption and preventing colonic fermentation by gut bacteria.
What is the recommended dose of Lactase Enzyme?
The optimal range is 6000–9000 FCC ALU per dairy meal. with a minimum effective dose of 3000 FCC ALU per 12g lactose serving. Best taken: Immediately before, or with, the first bite of the dairy-containing food. Upper / caution level: No established upper limit.
What are the side effects of Lactase Enzyme?
Reported side effects include: Essentially none reported. Monitoring: None.
Does Lactase Enzyme interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: None. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Lactase Enzyme?
Lactase Enzyme is generally not recommended for: Patients with galactosaemia; and Galactosaemia (galactose still produced).
How strong is the evidence for Lactase Enzyme?
Evidence level: Strong (overall score 80/100), based on 2 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (2)
Management and treatment of lactose malabsorption
Montalto M et al. Review confirming oral lactase as the gold-standard pharmacological intervention for symptomatic lactose intolerance.
Effects of oral lactase administration on lactose intolerance: a placebo-controlled trial
Lactase tablets significantly reduced breath hydrogen and symptom scores after a 25g lactose challenge.
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Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
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Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG
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Research Overview
Strong EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lactase-enzyme
SuppIndex. (2026). Lactase Enzyme: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lactase-enzyme
Based on 2 indexed studies · Evidence level: Strong.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Combines safely with probiotics and other digestive enzymes.