A lactase supplement is an oral supplement that may reduce symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. The supplement replaces a lactose-intolerant body's missing lactase enzyme, which is needed to break down the lactose found in dairy products. Commercial extracts of lactase are achieved by growing the lactase on mediums that contain fungi or yeast. While the supplements are available without a doctor’s prescription, they should not be taken without a doctor’s recommendation.
Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products, including milk, yogurt and whey. Lactase is the enzyme needed to digest, or break down, the sugar so it can be absorbed in the small intestine. Lactase is produced naturally in the human body, but some people do not produce enough lactase to completely digest lactose. Undigested lactose may cause upset stomach, bloating, abdominal cramps, gas and diarrhea.
A lactase supplement may help to reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance in people who naturally produce limited amounts of the enzyme. The use of oral lactase may allow them to drink milk and eat foods such as ice cream and cheese without discomfort. The supplement cannot relieve symptoms associated with any type of dairy allergy or a non-lactase-related food intolerance.
Most lactase supplements are produced by growing the lactase enzyme on Kluyveromyces fragilis or Kluyveromyces lactis yeast mediums. Lactase may also be grown on mediums that include Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus oryzae fungi. All mediums are maintained in a sterile environment to produce a safe, oral form of the lactase enzyme.
There are no known side effects associated with taking an oral lactase supplement, though it should not be taken without a doctor's recommendation. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are similar to symptoms of other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, so it is important to obtain a diagnosis of lactose intolerance before attempting to resolve the symptoms with a lactase supplement.
An oral lactase supplement may be helpful for some, but lactose intolerance is different for each sufferer. Some can still eat small amounts of dairy without needing a supplement, while others need a supplement — or two — if any amount of dairy is to be consumed. Those who find no relief through a lactase supplement can try dairy milk alternatives including rice milk or soy milk as a substitute for dairy milk in the diet. While rice milk and soy milk do not naturally contain the same nutrients as dairy milk, they are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.