Lactase

Other Names:  LCT, LAC, LPH, LPH1.

Lactase is an enzyme involved in the digestive hydrolysis of lactose in milk and dairy products. 

It is present mainly in the brush border membrane of the enterocytes that line the villi in the small intestine. 

The substance works like a pair of gastrointestinal scissors, snipping the lactose molecules apart into simpler, more digestible sugars. 

Deficiency in lactase can lead to lactose intolerance.

Origin:  Most people produce lactase within the body. 

However, individuals with lactose intolerance typically have an insufficient amount or complete lack of lactase in the small intestine and will need supplements to ingest products containing lactose without severe and painful side effects.

Sources of Lactase: As a supplement or dietary aid, lactase is available in capsules, tablets, and chewable tablets come in various dosages. 

Depending upon severity of symptoms related to lactose intolerance, different dosages may be required.

Home Remedies using Lactase:

Benefits and Uses of Lactase:

Lactase allows the body to break down lactose into the two simpler sugars from which it is formed, glucose and galactose, which are digestible individually but not as a single unit.

Commercial production of lactase is accomplished through extraction of the enzyme from yeasts and fungi. 

These are used to break down the lactose in milk so that it can be sold as a suitable “lactose free” product for individuals suffering from lactose intolerance. 

It is also used in the manufacture of ice cream to create glucose and galactose, both of which are sweeter than glucose in taste, as well as to produce a smoother texture, since lactose will crystallize at low temperatures. 

It is also used to convert whey into syrup.

Side Effects of Lactase:

There are no known negative side effects of lactase ingestion, and there is no recorded instance of a lactase overdose.

Additional Information for Lactase:

Interestingly enough, babies are “lactose degraders” and can actually process lactose as a form of nutrient. 

However, adults must use lactase to break down the compound and are only considered lactose tolerant. 

The body may shut off the gene that encodes the production of lactase as children grow into adulthood, resulting in lactose intolerance.