Lactase is the dietary supplement from Yamamoto Research containing lactase enzyme and fennel extract, developed for the treatment of mal-digestion related to lactose intake. Lactase is in fact able to support the lactase digestion in individuals who poorly digest (or cannot tolerate) this particular sugar. Fennel extract also supports regular gastrointestinal motility, gas elimination and digestive function in general.
Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose (a disaccharide) into its two sugars, galactose and glucose. Increasingly common in the population is lactose intolerance, i.e. the body's total or partial inability to produce sufficient lactase to digest this sugar properly. In Italy, about 50% of the population is believed to be lactose intolerant, although with varying degrees of severity.
Lactose is the main sugar in milk (cow, goat, buffalo, donkey) and accounts for about 98% of all sugars in milk, as well as being present in many of its derivatives. This sugar is also often used as a food additive for several widely used types of food (such as baked goods or some sausages), and is therefore very present on our tables.
The clinical picture related to lactose intolerance is characterised by unpleasant abdominal cramps and pain, meteorism, heaviness of the stomach, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation: all symptoms that arise rather quickly after ingesting foods containing lactose. Symptoms may however vary from person to person, with manifestations varying in magnitude and importance, and may also include headaches, tiredness, nausea or skin rashes.
Lactase contains as much as 300 mg of digestive enzyme with enzyme activity of 30,000 FCC (Food Chemical Complex) ALU (Acid Lactase Unit) and 120 mg fennel extract per daily dose. A single capsule, to be consumed beforehand when eating a lactose-based meal, contains as much as 150 mg of lactase, or 15,000 FCC: this dose makes it possible to digest about 5g of lactose (found, for example, in 100ml of cow's milk). However, there are specific reference tables indicating the lactose content (in g) of each foodstuff, so that lactase intake can be adjusted accordingly. In Lactase, 120 mg of fennel extract has been added, which works with lactase to reduce unpleasant symptoms due to its action against intestinal gas.
But can simply taking lactase as a supplement enable people to digest lactose more effectively? It seems so, because lactase supplementation in human studies has shown a reduction in hydrogen on the breath (a sign of fermentation) and various symptoms associated with intolerance such as flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Care must be taken, however, because taking lactase afterwards does not necessarily eliminate the symptoms, so it is best to always take it preventively.
Lactose intolerance is becoming increasingly common in the population, especially in Europe. Lactase is the ideal ally for preventing those annoying gastrointestinal symptoms linked to lactose intolerance.
Scientific references
Toca MDC, Fernández A, Orsi M, Tabacco O, Vinderola G. Lactose intolerance: myths and facts. An update. Arch Argent Pediatr. 2022 Feb;120(1):59-66. English, Spanish. doi: 10.5546/aap.2022.eng.59. Epub 2021 Dec 17. PMID: 35068123.
Swagerty DL Jr, Walling AD, Klein RM. Lactose intolerance. Am Fam Physician. 2002 May 1;65(9):1845-50. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician. 2003 Mar 15;67(6):1195. PMID: 12018807.
Deng Y, Misselwitz B, Dai N, Fox M. Lactose Intolerance in Adults: Biological Mechanism and Dietary Management. Nutrients. 2015 Sep 18;7(9):8020-35. doi: 10.3390/nu7095380. PMID: 26393648; PMCID: PMC4586575.
Gerbault P. The onset of lactase persistence in Europe. Hum Hered. 2013;76(3-4):154-61. doi: 10.1159/000360136. Epub 2014 May 21. PMID: 24861860.
