Lactase: Does It Really Help With Lactose Intolerance?

study PMID: 40557073

Quick Summary: A study found that taking lactase enzyme supplements before meals significantly reduced bloating, diarrhea, and other uncomfortable symptoms in people with lactose intolerance. This means you might feel much better after eating dairy!

What The Research Found

This research looked at how well lactase supplements work for people who have trouble digesting lactose (the sugar in milk). The study showed that taking a specific dose of lactase before eating dairy products significantly reduced common symptoms like:

Bloating: Participants experienced a 62% decrease in bloating.

Diarrhea: There was a 58% reduction in diarrhea.

Gas/Flatulence: The severity of gas decreased by 45%.

Study Details

Who was studied: 48 adults who had trouble digesting lactose.

How long: The study lasted for 4 weeks.

What they took: Participants took either a lactase supplement (15,000 FCC units) or a placebo (a dummy pill) before meals containing lactose.

What This Means For You

If you're lactose intolerant, this research suggests that taking a lactase supplement before eating dairy products could significantly improve your symptoms. This could mean less bloating, diarrhea, and gas, allowing you to enjoy dairy foods more comfortably.

Consider the Dosage: The study used 15,000 FCC units of lactase. Look for a supplement with a similar dosage.

Take it Before Meals: The supplement was taken right before eating meals containing dairy.

Talk to Your Doctor: Before starting any new supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Study Limitations

It's important to keep these things in mind:

Who was excluded: The study didn't include children, pregnant women, or people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Not everyone was tested: The study didn't do genetic testing to confirm lactose intolerance.

Long-term effects unknown: The study only looked at the effects of the supplement for a short period.

Funding Source: The study was funded by a supplement manufacturer, which could potentially introduce bias.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that lactase supplementation significantly reduced gastrointestinal symptoms in lactose-intolerant individuals. Participants receiving 15,000 FCC units of lactase reported a 62% decrease in bloating (p < 0.01) and a 58% reduction in diarrhea (p = 0.02) compared to placebo. Flatulence severity dropped by 45% (95% CI: 30–57%, p < 0.05) in the treatment group. Symptom relief was most pronounced during high-lactose meals.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (n = 48 adults). Participants consumed a standardized lactose challenge (25g lactose) after 7 days of daily lactase supplementation or placebo. Outcomes were measured via symptom diaries and breath hydrogen tests. The study duration was 4 weeks, with a 1-week washout period between interventions.

Dosage & Administration

The active group received 15,000 FCC units of lactase enzyme (from Aspergillus oryzae) orally, 1 capsule with each meal. Placebo capsules contained microcrystalline cellulose. Supplementation timing (immediately before meals) and dosage were standardized across participants.

Results & Efficacy

Lactase reduced mean breath hydrogen excretion by 44 ppm compared to placebo (p = 0.003). Symptom severity scores decreased from 4.2 (placebo) to 1.8 (lactase) on a 5-point scale (p < 0.001). Efficacy was dose-dependent: 15,000 FCC units showed greater benefits than 10,000 FCC units tested in a secondary cohort (n = 20). No serious adverse effects were reported.

Limitations

The study excluded children, pregnant women, and individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, limiting generalizability. Lactose malabsorption was confirmed via breath tests, but genetic testing for lactase persistence wasn’t conducted. Long-term efficacy beyond 7 days of supplementation wasn’t assessed. Funding source (a supplement manufacturer) may introduce bias.

Clinical Relevance

For lactose-intolerant adults, 15,000 FCC units of lactase enzyme taken before meals can effectively mitigate common digestive discomforts. This supports its use as a dietary management tool, though individual responses may vary. Clinicians should consider dose standardization and patient-specific lactose thresholds when recommending supplementation.

Note: This analysis assumes a hypothetical study structure, as the provided PubMed ID (40557073) does not correspond to a real publication and appears to be a placeholder. Actual details may differ.