Lactase

Lactase is the enzymes whose function is to hydrolyze (breakdown) lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk and dairy products.

Lactase is very important in digestion as it breaks down lactose, the sugar found in all dairy items.  Lactose is present in milk and in dairy products such as yogurt and whey. It is also a component of many dairy by-products that are used as ingredients in numerous non-dairy foods. Dairy has many healthy components. However, the nutritional value of milk is limited because of the fact that a large percentage of people lack the enzyme lactase. We are unable to absorb lactose unless we have sufficient lactase. As a result, the lactose content of milk and other dairy products is not utilized by many people. Investigations have shown that a significant portion of the population (over 70%) have difficulty digesting lactose and over 30% are lactase deficient, resulting in lactose intolerance. In the vast majority of cases, symptoms of lactose intolerance develop before the age of 20 and intensify over time.

When people are lactase deficient, undigested lactose remains in the intestine. Fluid is drawn into the intestine by the high concentration of sugar, causing diarrhea. The unabsorbed lactose is also fermented by bacteria, producing excess gas, bloating and abdominal cramps. Although the symptoms may be similar, lactose intolerance is very different from a true milk allergy.
Lactase deficiency can also occur as a result of an illness or a disease that injures the intestinal lining such as Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, parasitic infections, gastroenteritis and antibiotic therapy. In these cases the intolerance is often temporary and will disappear when bowel health returns to normal usually within several months. During this time, while the intestinal lining is healing, Fiberrific +enzymes can break down lactose and relieve symptoms related to lactose intolerance.

Symptoms
Common complaints of lactase deficiency are nausea, cramps, bloating, gas pain and diarrhea. Symptoms normally appear 30 minutes to two hours after eating a food containing lactose. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the amount of lactose that the individual can tolerate. Some people have mild or moderate lactose intolerance and can handle some lactose, while others who have a severe intolerance must avoid all lactose containing foods and products. Fiberrific +enzymes can assist in breaking down lactose and in mild cases relieve symptoms related to lactose intolerance. In severe cases Fiberrific +enzymes can increase tolerance levels and reduce symptom severity.

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