Should I take Lactaid (lactase enzyme supplement) if I'm confirmed lactose intolerant?

Managing Lactose Intolerance with Lactase Supplements

Yes, you should take Lactaid (lactase enzyme supplement) if you're confirmed lactose intolerant, as it can effectively reduce symptoms by helping digest lactose that your body cannot process naturally. 1

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a clinical syndrome characterized by:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea

These symptoms occur after consuming lactose-containing foods when your body lacks sufficient lactase enzyme to digest lactose properly 2. The condition affects the majority of the world's adult population due to a genetically programmed reduction in lactase activity during adulthood 3.

Treatment Options for Lactose Intolerance

1. Lactase Enzyme Supplements (Lactaid)

Lactase supplements like Lactaid work by providing the enzyme your body lacks, allowing for better digestion of lactose. These supplements:

• Can be taken just before consuming dairy products
• Help break down lactose into simpler sugars (glucose and galactose)
• Reduce or prevent symptoms associated with lactose consumption

2. Dietary Management

While lactase supplements are helpful, dietary management remains important:

• Most lactose intolerant individuals can tolerate small amounts of lactose (12-15g, approximately 1 cup of milk) without significant symptoms 4
• Gradually introducing small amounts of lactose-containing foods may help improve tolerance
• Consuming lactose with other foods can slow gastric emptying and reduce symptoms

Practical Recommendations

For optimal management of your lactose intolerance:

1. Use lactase supplements strategically:

   • Take Lactaid immediately before consuming dairy products
   • Adjust dosage based on the amount of lactose in the food

2. Consider lactose content in foods:

   • Hard cheeses and yogurt with live cultures are often better tolerated
   • Be aware that lactose is sometimes used as a food additive in processed foods

3. Monitor your individual tolerance:

   • Keep track of which dairy products and what quantities trigger symptoms
   • Remember that tolerance can vary between individuals

Important Considerations

• Lactose intolerance is different from milk protein allergy, which requires complete avoidance of dairy proteins
• If you experience bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain after lactose consumption, seek medical attention as these are not typical symptoms of lactose intolerance 1
• Ensure adequate calcium intake through either lactase-treated dairy products or non-dairy calcium sources

Conclusion on Effectiveness

The American Gastroenterological Association recognizes that enzyme replacement therapy with lactase supplements is an effective management strategy for lactose intolerance 1. While the efficacy of lactase supplements can vary between individuals, they represent a practical approach that allows most lactose intolerant people to consume dairy products with minimal or no symptoms.