Lactase
Lactase enzyme supplements help digest lactose and reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance when taken with dairy.
Overview
What is lactase?
Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk and yoghurt.
Dosage
A typical dose of lactase is 3000 units per 5 grams of lactose.
A cup of milk contains around 15 grams of lactose so 9000 units or around 300 mg should be taken.
Effect graph
Subscribe to view effect graphs
Interactive visualisations of ranked conditions and clinical benefit with purchase guidance.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
Effect heatmap
Subscribe to view effect heatmaps
See effect size, evidence strength, and trust at a glance for every condition.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
SupplementDEX Database
1 condition for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Subscribe to access the SupplementDEX Database
Read this and 2,600+ other evidence reviews on our practitioner plan.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
Database Snapshot
Most lactase research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Lactose intolerance accounts for 11 of 11 studies (100%).
Safety
Lactase is likely safe at a dose of up to 13,500 food chemical codex (FCC) units or 9900 international units.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Sources11 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Lactose intolerance
11 references1.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — Effect of lactase on symptoms and hydrogen breath levels in lactose intolerance: A crossover placebo-controlled study2020
In 47 lactose-intolerant adults, lactase chewable tablets reduced symptoms and hydrogen breath levels during lactose challenge versus placebo.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — A combination of acid lactase from Aspergillus oryzae and yogurt bacteria improves lactose digestion in lactose maldigesters synergistically: A randomized, controlled, double-blind cross-over trial2014
In 24 lactose malabsorbers, acid lactase from Aspergillus oryzae plus yogurt bacteria improved lactose digestion more than either alone versus placebo.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — The effect of oral supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri or tilactase in lactose intolerant patients: randomized trial2010
In 60 lactose-intolerant patients, tilactase or Lactobacillus reuteri before lactose breath test reduced hydrogen excretion and symptoms versus placebo.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — Effect of exogenous beta-galactosidase in patients with lactose malabsorption and intolerance: a crossover double-blind placebo-controlled study2005
In 30 lactose malabsorbers, beta-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis added to milk reduced hydrogen breath excretion and symptoms versus placebo.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — All lactase preparations are not the same: results of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial1994
In 10 lactose-intolerant adults, three commercial lactase products differed in efficacy for reducing symptoms and breath hydrogen after 18 g lactose challenge.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — Comparative effects of exogenous lactase (beta-galactosidase) preparations on in vivo lactose digestion1993
In lactose maldigesters, Lactogest, Lactaid, and DairyEase beta-galactosidase preparations dramatically reduced breath hydrogen with 20 g or 50 g lactose versus placebo.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — Effect of a single dose of lactase on symptoms and expired hydrogen after lactose challenge in lactose-intolerant subjects1992
In 21 lactose-intolerant subjects, a single dose of 9,900 FCC-unit lactase before 37.5 g lactose in milk reduced symptoms and breath hydrogen versus placebo.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — beta-Galactosidase from Aspergillus niger in adult lactose malabsorption: a double-blind crossover study1992
In 16 lactose-malabsorbing adults, Aspergillus niger beta-galactosidase added to 400 ml milk significantly reduced breath hydrogen versus placebo.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — Dietary manipulation of postprandial colonic lactose fermentation: II. Addition of exogenous, microbial beta-galactosidases at mealtime1985
In lactose-malabsorbing adults, microbial beta-galactosidase enzymes added to milk at mealtime reduced postprandial hydrogen excretion versus untreated milk.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — Enzyme replacement therapy for primary adult lactase deficiency. Effective reduction of lactose malabsorption and milk intolerance by direct addition of beta-galactosidase to milk at mealtime1984
In 25 adult lactose malabsorbers, yeast or fungal lactase enzymes in 360 ml milk reduced breath hydrogen up to 53% versus untreated milk.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Lactose intolerance — Long-term acceptance of low-lactose milk1979
In 31 lactose-intolerant and 16 tolerant adults, 500 ml low-lactose milk twice daily for 1 month was well tolerated with fewer symptoms than regular milk.