10 Best Lactase Enzyme Supplement Against Lactose Intolerance

If your lactose intolerance is making it hard for you to enjoy your favorite ice cream, baked goods, or other desserts, then you’re at the right place!

Yes, an elimination diet in which you avoid all dairy products to manage your lactose intolerance symptoms is always the first thing recommended. But we understand that it’s not entirely possible to completely avoid dairy, dodge hidden dairy products, and quit your favorite foods and desserts. Thus, in this case, taking the best lactase enzyme supplement is a great solution to enjoying dairy without experiencing those embarrassing symptoms.

Lactose intolerance is caused when our bodies lack the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose (milk sugar). The deficiency of this enzyme results in the indigestion of lactose. This further leads to digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, which are characterized as the general symptoms of lactose intolerance.

In many cases, doctors recommend patients take lactase as a dietary supplement to support its proper digestion inside the body. These supplements help lactose-intolerant people to enjoy foods containing lactose without dealing with unpleasant symptoms. 

In this blog, we have enlisted 10 of the best lactase enzyme supplements against lactose intolerance… 

Is Lactase Enzyme Safe? 

Yes, it’s safe to take a lactase enzyme supplement. Lactase is well-tolerated by most people. There are no documented lactase enzyme side effects. You can take it every day or before consuming anything that contains dairy. 

Diabetes patients are advised to be cautious while taking lactase supplements as lactase is digested in the form of simple sugars. Thus, patients should monitor their blood sugar levels after taking lactase. This is to make sure that they are absorbing a manageable amount of the constituent sugars.  

In rare cases, the lactase enzyme could also trigger allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If not treated on time, this could lead to serious concerns such as coma, shock, or, in extreme cases, even death.

Apart from this, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are always recommended to avoid any dietary supplements without a physician’s advice. 

How Does Lactase Enzyme Work?

Lactase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. This enzyme is generally produced inside the body, in the lining of the small intestine.

During digestion, lactase is released to break down lactose into simple sugars (glucose and galactose). These small sugar molecules are then absorbed and utilized by the body.

When the body isn’t able to produce enough lactase, people may need to take the enzyme lactase externally in the form of a supplement. Lactase enzyme supplements come in the form of pills or capsules and aid in the digestion of lactose inside the body.

A deficiency of lactase inside the body often results in uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Taking lactase as a supplement fulfills the body’s need to break down lactose and helps alleviate all these symptoms.

10 Best Lactase Enzyme Dietary Supplements 

1. Lactaid Original Natural Lactase Enzyme Relief Caplets – Best Overall 

This lactase enzyme supplement comes in the form of easy-to-chew caplets and prevents digestive discomfort caused by dairy. This means you can take them with the first bite or sip of dairy and enjoy your favorite dairy without worrying about gas, bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

To effectively ease lactose digestion, take 9,000 FCC lactase enzyme units (per serving). This means you have to take up to 3 capsules to reduce the digestive discomfort caused after consuming dairy. 

But if you want to consume dairy products after 30-45 minutes again, you’re required to take another serving of the supplement. 

Features 

• Dosage: Comes in a pack of 120 caplets with 9,000 FCC lactase units in each serving size (one tablet equivalent to 3000 FCC lactase units)
• Helps with: Prevents gas, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea caused due to lactose intolerance or malabsorption.
• Form: Comes in the form of easy-to-swallow caplets as well as chewables 

Pros

• Kosher
• Works fast
• Unflavored
• Suitable for children (4+)
• Easy-to-swallow caplets 

Cons

• You get only 40 doses
• The dosage amount is high. It’s suggested to take up to 3 pills (in one serving) every time you consume dairy.

2. Best Naturals Fast Acting Lactase Enzyme Tablet – Best Value For Money

This is a natural lactase enzyme supplement with 3,000 FCC lactase per unit. It helps prevent gas, bloating, and diarrhea caused due to lactose intolerance. 

Features

• Ingredients: Lactase enzyme, Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. 
• Dosage: The bottle contains 180 tablets with one tablet offering 3,000 FCC lactase units. 
• Function: Supports digestion and prevents gas, diarrhea, and bloating. 
• Safety and Purity: Made in the USA in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility.

Pros

• No sugar
• No eggs
• No yeast
• Soy free 
• Corn free
• Non-GMO
• Lab tested
• Sodium free
• GMP Certified
• No preservatives
• No artificial color
• No flavor and sweetener
• Contains no soy, eggs, and fish
• Contains no gluten and wheat

 Cons

• Caused side effects in some people
• Per serving dosage is low as required (9000 FCC). You will require to take 3 tablets 

3. Optima Healthy Gut Solution – Best Digestive Supplement With Prebiotics

Optima Healthy Gut Solution, as the name suggests, is a gut-cleansing supplement that supports overall digestive health.

Besides lactase to help with lactose intolerance, the supplement also contains N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, which reduces food sensitivity by protecting the intestines against toxins. N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine is a building block of the gut lining and also improves IBD symptoms.

This formula even contains L-glutamine, which boosts the immune system and prevents inflammation. In addition to this, there are so many potent ingredients that help with improving the absorption of nutrients, healing leaky gut, supporting digestive health, and reducing inflammation.

Features

• Ingredients: N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, L-Glutamine, Lactase, Marshmallow Root Powder, Slippery Elm Bark Powder, Turkey Tail Mushroom, Cordyceps Mushroom, Amylase, Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), Lipase, Protease, Cellulase, Probiotics 25 BCFU, Hibiscus.
• Slippery Elm bark powder: This ingredient coats mucus membranes in the stomach and intestine. This results in the calming of inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in the formula fight inflammation in the gut and engulf undigested food particles.
• Turkey Tail Mushroom: This mushroom is rich in antioxidants and contains probiotics that flourish the good bacteria of the gut.
• Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice: DGL soothes inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive tract. This supports the overall stomach and intestinal health.
• Hibiscus: Hibiscus regulates urination and bowel movements by helping the digestive tract function aptly. This improves the overall health of the gastrointestinal system.
• Probiotics 25BCFU: The population of good bacteria makes the body healthy and the digestive system work efficiently.

Pros

• 100% organic
• Keto friendly
• Vegan friendly
• Reduces gas and bloating
• Better bowel movements
• Improves brain cognition
• Complete balanced formula
• FDA registered manufacturer
• Clinically proven ingredients
• Improves absorption of nutrients
• Manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility  

 Cons 

• Not dedicatedly a lactase enzyme supplement 
• Not suitable for those who are allergic to mushrooms as it contains extract of several mushrooms.

4. Rite Aid Lactose Intolerance Pills – Best Fast Relief Caplets

This lactase enzyme supplement prevents multiple symptoms related to lactose intolerance. The serving size is 3 caplets (9,000 FCC lactase units), where each tablet is equivalent to 3000 FCC lactase units. The bottle contains 120 caplets. 

Features

• Ingredients: Lactase enzyme, Magnesium Stearate, Dicalcium, Crospovidone, Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide, Polyalditol, Mannitol, Sodium Citrate, Microcrystalline Cellulose,
• Function: Helps digest lactose in milk and other milk products. Prevents lactose intolerance symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

 Pros

• Non-GMO enzyme
• Easy-to-swallow caplets
• Prevents gas, bloating, diarrhea 

Cons

• Have to take 3 caplets per serving
• May cause some milk side effects 

5. Mav Nutrition Digestive Enzymes Supplement – Best For Digesting Dairy, Protein, Sugar, and Carbs

This is a digestive enzyme supplement with probiotics that helps break down dairy, carbs, protein, and sugar.

This multienzyme formula makes it easy to digest hard-to-digest foods such as lactose, lean protein, and high-fiber foods. This is an all-in-one digestive supplement that offers better nutrient absorption and supports gut health. 

Features

• Ingredients: Makzyme-Pro (Enzyme Blend™, Lactobacillus casei, Fungal Protease from Aspergillus oryzae, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus) 2500 HUT/400mg, Bromelain 90 GDU, Fungal Lipase 1500 FIP, Alpha Galactosidase 300 GALU, Papain 2670 TU, Fungal Lactase 600 LACU, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Cellulose (Vegetable Capsule), Silicon Dioxide.
• Function: This digestive enzyme supplement help the body digest lactose, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates effectively.
• Benefit: Boosts energy levels and supports digestive health by offering relief from constipation, gas, and bloating.
• Probiotics: The formula contains three potent strains of beneficial bacteria to strengthen gut health. 

Pros

• Non-GMO
• GMP Certified
• Support gut health
• Boosts energy levels
• Formulated in the USA  
• Supports healthy digestion
• Effective for all food types
• Promotes nutrient absorption
• Relieves gas, bloating, and constipation

 Cons

• Some customers complaint it contains gluten
• Some people experienced mild side effects like itching and nausea

6. Milkaid Junior Lactase Enzyme Chewable Tablets – Best Chewable For Kids

This is a dairy digestive supplement for kids who are 3 or older. Each tablet contains 3000 ALU and comes in strawberry flavor. These tablets improve digestion in people with lactose intolerance and provide relief from flatulence, discomfort, diarrhea, and bloating.

Give your kids 1-2 tablets to chew before consuming dairy, and they will be able to digest it with no lactose intolerance symptoms. Make sure not to take more than four tablets with one meal. 

Features 

• Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Sweetener (Sucralose), Flavoring, Lactase Enzyme, Anti-Caking Agent (Magnesium Stearate).
• Function: These lactase chewable tablets improve lactose digestion in kids aged 3 and above.
• Flavor: The tablet come in a yummy strawberry flavor. 

Pros

• Yeast free
• Gluten-free
• Easy to chew
• Strawberry flavor 
• Vegetarian friendly
• No artificial flavors

Cons

• Some people didn’t like the smell of the tablets
• Some customers found the flavor to be chalky

7. LactoJoy Lactase Pills – Best Pure Lactase Pills

This is an ultra-pure lactase enzyme supplement with no silicon dioxide or artificial flavors. These tablets have a high dosage of active ingredients, i.e., 14,500 FCC lactase units.

Features

• Ingredients: Lactase (lactase, maltodextrin), release agent: Magnesium salts from fatty acids, organic potato starch.
• Function: This high-dose lactase enzyme supplement effectively lets you digest lactose in dairy and fight against cramping, bloating and diarrhea.
• Natural ingredients: The supplement contains herbal ingredients apart from the main ingredient- lactase enzyme.

Pros

• Fast effect
• 100% vegan
• No silicon dioxide
• No artificial flavors
• Vegetable ingredients
• High-quality packaging
• Free of chemical additives
• High dosage of active ingredients
• Relieve lactose intolerance symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. 

Cons

• Caused nausea and vomiting for some
• Some found the product inconsistent

8. Milkaid Lactase Enzyme Drops – Best Lactase Enzyme Drops

This lactase enzyme supplement comes in the form of drops, which can be easily added to milk, cereal, or any other food.

The product is completely natural and effectively relieves lactose intolerance symptoms. Adding around 10 drops of this lactase enzyme in milk (17 Fl Oz) and refrigerating it for 24 hours would make it lactose-free. 

Now you can use this milk in any recipe and enjoy it without experiencing any bothersome lactose intolerance symptoms. Make sure that you don’t exceed the daily recommended intake limit, which is 64 drops in 24 hours.

Features

• Ingredients: Liquid lactase enzyme
• Function: It lets you turn your ordinary milk into lactose-free milk. Add 10 drops of Milkaid lactase enzyme to around 500 ml of milk and refrigerate it for 24 hours. This will reduce the lactose level of the milk by approx. 99%.
• Benefit: You can add the drops directly into milk, other beverages, cereal or any recipe to avoid lactose intolerance symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Pros

• Yeast free
• Easy to use
• Gluten-free
• No added flavors
• Suitable for vegetarians
• Suitable for adults and children (aged 1+ years) 

Cons

• Can’t drink the milk immediately after adding the drops.
• Some customers think the product isn’t economical

9. ValuMeds Fast Acting Dairy Relief Lactose Enzymes – Best Softgels for Adults And Kids 

This lactase supplement contains 9000 FCC and is available in softgel form. The bottle contains 120 softgels that are gentle for even sensitive tummies. This is safe to be taken by both adults and children.

 Features

• Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, beeswax, gelatin, coconut oil, glycerin, povidone (PVP K-30), light liquid paraffin (light mineral oil), purified water, sorbitol 70% solution, soya lecithin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, titanium dioxide.
• Function: Helps prevent gas, indigestion, bloating, pain, and diarrhea caused due to lactose intolerance.
• Safety: This dairy relief supplement is safe for men, women, and kids.

Pros

• Acts fast
• 9000 FCC lactase units
• Relieves lactose sensitivities
• Advanced dairy relief formula
• Safe for adults and children

Cons

• Some people found the softgel size to be too large to swallow
• Contains sorbitol which caused issues and illness in some consumers

10. Milkaid Lactase Enzyme Chewable Tablets – Best Fast-Acting Lactase Supplement For Adults 

These lactase enzyme chewable tablets improve lactose digestion in adults and prevent gas, bloating, and diarrhea. You have to take 2 tablets per serving with the first bite of food containing lactose.

Features

• Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Flavouring, Lactase Enzyme, Sweetener (Sucralose), Anti-Caking Agent (Magnesium Stearate).
• Function: The tablets break down the lactose in the dairy product into easier-to-digest sugar- galactose and glucose. This aids lactose digestion in the body and prevents gas, bloating and other symptoms.
• Flavor: Come in yummy raspberry flavor and in the form of chewable

Pros

• Yeast free
• Gluten-free
• Easy to chew
• No artificial flavors
• Suitable for vegetarians

Cons

• Contain sweeteners
• One customer said it triggers migraine due to the amount of sucralose

Finding the Right Lactase Enzyme Supplement – A Guide

You have been through the list of the best supplements; now the next big question is how to figure out which one would work the best for you. 

Everyone is different, and so are their bodies’ needs; therefore, what works for one might not be as effective for another. So how do you find the right dairy supplement for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind that will help you make the right choice.

The first thing to note is that often digestive enzyme supplements or other supplements, for that matter, are minimally regulated. Thus, they may have contaminants or doses that don’t match the label. Consequently, checking all the below-mentioned points becomes necessary as safety is important. 

Dosage

The first question is how much lactase enzyme to take? The dosage isn’t really standardized across products when it comes to digestive enzymes. Many enzymes don’t even have research-based guidelines.

As far as lactase is concerned, a minimum of 3,000 acid lactase units at the start of a meal have been shown to improve symptoms. Further, for consumption of larger portions of lactose, this could go up to 6,000 to 9,000 ALU (acid lactase units)

Form

Digestive enzyme supplements come in different physical forms, such as capsules, tablets, chewables, drops, and powder. There is no evidence that one physical form is more effective than another. Therefore, you can pick one as per your choice. 

If you have a problem swallowing capsules or tablets, you can choose chewables for their ease of use. You can opt for drops if you want to add the supplement to beverages or other recipes, the choice is completely yours.

However, one thing to note here is that chewables are often flavored products as they contain sugar alcohols. So, if you’re someone who can’t take such additional ingredients, then it’s better to go with capsules, tablets, or drops. 

Ingredients and Possible Interactions

It’s very important to read the label of any supplement for its ingredient list and nutritional facts. Review the different ingredients and the amount you get from the supplement relative to its daily recommended value.

You can also get it checked by your healthcare provider for further safety. They will also let you know if the product label contains any ingredients that can potentially interact with any medication or supplement that you’re already on.

The ingredients that you should be aware of in the lactase enzyme supplement are procine or Ox ingredients, Aspergillus niger, and Trichoderma.

Sugar alcohols that you should avoid for diarrhea are xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and erythritol.

Prebiotics to avoid bloating and gas are insulin (chicory root fiber) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

Frequently Asked Question Relating To Lactase Enzyme 

Can You Take a Lactase Enzyme Everyday?

Yes, it’s safe to take lactase enzyme every day. Lactase enzyme supplements are typically well tolerated by most, with no noted side effects.

Generally, lactase enzyme supplements are taken before meals or snacks containing lactose. However, caution should be exercised as they can trigger allergic reactions in rare cases.

Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid supplements or take advice from their healthcare provider before using them.

Besides this, diabetics should also exercise caution while taking lactase supplements, as they break lactase into simple sugars. 

Related: Are lactase drops for infants safe

Who Should Not Take Lactase?

People who are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients of lactase enzyme should avoid them. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also generally recommended to avoid lactase enzyme supplements.

Also, those who are on a certain medication for any other health concern should also ask their healthcare provider before starting any supplement. There is a possibility that any ingredient in the supplement may interact with your medication, so precaution is a must. 

Related: Can lactose intolerance cause constipation

What Time Should I Take Lactase Supplements?

There is no specific time of day when you should take lactase enzyme; in fact, you have to take it with every meal or snack that contains dairy products. Lactase enzyme supplements are generally taken with the first bite or sip of any food or beverage containing lactose. 

If you’re consuming a dairy product 30 to 45 minutes after the first dose, then you will have to take the supplement again for the second round of your lactose intake. Some lactase drops are even required to be left in dairy products for at least 24 hours before consumption. 

Conclusion

Overall, if you’re tired of feeling bloated and experiencing pain or digestive discomfort after every dairy consumption, adding a good lactase supplement to your diet makes a lot of sense. 

You will have to take the said supplement with the first bite of your lactose-containing food or as prescribed, and you will be able to digest lactose smoothly. This will help you enjoy your favorite dairy products and also get all the nutrition of dairy without the troublesome symptoms.

Lastly, if you have decided to take a lactase enzyme supplement to deal with lactose intolerance, you’re recommended to seek advice from a professional. Especially if you have any other health concerns or are taking medication for the same, check with your health care provider for added safety. 

Check out this blog to know “can lactose intolerant eat chocolate“.