Last verified: 17 days ago
Lactase
Also known as: beta-galactosidase, lactase enzyme, lactase supplement, oral lactase
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose. Relieves bloating, gas, and discomfort from dairy in people who lack it.
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What it does
Lactase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose — the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. People whose bodies don't produce enough lactase experience gas, bloating, cramping,...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
180–600 FCC units per feeding (drops or tablet form)
What the Science Says
Lactase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose — the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. People whose bodies don't produce enough lactase experience gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea after eating dairy. Taking supplemental lactase before or with dairy meals helps digest lactose in the gut, reducing or eliminating these symptoms. Clinical trials in infants and preterm newborns show it safely reduces vomiting, colic, and gastrointestinal distress caused by lactose intolerance.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't cure lactose intolerance permanently — it only works when taken with dairy. Not a treatment for milk protein allergy (that's a different condition entirely). No evidence it improves cognition, boosts immunity, or helps with weight loss. Doesn't work if your symptoms are caused by something other than lactose — like irritable bowel syndrome or casein sensitivity.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduces gas, bloating, and gut discomfort when taken with dairy in people with lactose intolerance.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 180–600 FCC units per meal
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces daily crying time and colic episodes in breastfed and formula-fed infants.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 600 FCC units/mL, 5 drops 4x daily for 4 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Safely reduces vomiting and gastric retention in preterm infants with lactose intolerance.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 180 mg (4 drops) per feeding
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Lactase-treated milk is as well tolerated as A2 milk in people with lactose intolerance.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Lactase-treated (lactose-free) milk
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Good — lactase acts locally in the gut lumen and does not need to be absorbed systemically to work. Stomach acid can degrade the enzyme before it reaches the small intestine, which is why enteric-coated or pH-responsive delivery formats are being developed to improve efficacy.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Standard lactase capsules/drops may be partially destroyed by stomach acid before reaching the small intestine, reducing effectiveness
- Lactose intolerance is often self-diagnosed — symptoms may actually be from IBS, milk protein allergy, or other gut conditions that lactase won't fix
- Products vary widely in enzyme activity (FCC units) — low-dose products may not provide enough enzyme to fully digest a full serving of dairy
- Not appropriate as a substitute for medical evaluation if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by blood in stool or weight loss
Products Containing Lactase
See how Lactase is used in these analyzed products:
310 Chocolate Icing Shake
Supplement
Enzyme Science Digest Gold
Supplement
Origin Nutrition Daily Plant Protein (Vanilla)
Supplement
Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey
Supplement
Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra
Supplement
Outfitocean
Supplement
Gaspari Nutrition MyoFusion
Supplement
Fullscript
Supplement
Vimerson
Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lactase do?
Digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose. Relieves bloating, gas, and discomfort from dairy in people who lack it.
What is the effective dose of Lactase?
180–600 FCC units per feeding (drops or tablet form)
Is Lactase safe?
Standard lactase capsules/drops may be partially destroyed by stomach acid before reaching the small intestine, reducing effectiveness
What doesn't Lactase do?
Won't cure lactose intolerance permanently — it only works when taken with dairy.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25