What are lactose intolerance pills?

Everything you want to know about lactase in tablet, capsule and drops

Lactose and tummy troubles often go hand in hand. Fortunately, there is a quick fix for many situations: lactase supplements, popularly known as lactose intolerance pills mentioned. In this blog you'll read what they are, how they work, when to use them, approximately how much you need and what to look for in the store.

The short answer

Lactase pills provide the enzyme lactase That helps your bowels to lactose break down. They can cause symptoms of lactose intolerance reduce when you eat or drink anything with lactose. They work not at cow's milk intolerance or cow's milk allergy, because those responses are mostly with milk proteins to do.

Important: at cow's milk intolerance respond especially to milk proteins, not on the sugar. Then lactase pills don't help. For comparison, read: What is lactose intolerance and What is cow's milk intolerance. Want to understand exactly what the enzyme does: What does lactase do.

How do lactose intolerance pills work?

Take the pill just before or at the first bite with lactose. Count on one dose being about 30-45 minutes effective. If your meal lasts longer (pizza + ice cream, long dinner), then a extra dose needed later in the meal. Heating does not render lactose harmless: in sauce, pancakes or pastries lactose remains present, so without lactase or lactose-free alternative, you will probably just get symptoms.

In summary how do lactase pills work

What does lactase do

It cuts lactose into two smaller sugars so your body can absorb them. Without a cut, lactose stays in your intestines and bacteria go to work on it. That gives gas, cramps, bloating and diarrhea.

When to take

Swallow or chew the pill just before the first bite with lactose or at the first bite. If you eat a long time with lactose, you can take another later.

How long do they work:

Often 30 to 45 minutes usable after ingestion. For longer meals, consider an extra dose.

What types are there?

There are tablets/capsules (also chewy) for on-the-go and drops with which you can, for example, milk or cream in advance handles. Manufacturers express strength in FCC units (e.g., 3,000, 5,000 or 10,000 FCC per tablet). Higher number = more enzyme per pill. Note the excipients If you want to go vegan (vegetable capsule instead of gelatin) or need to eat gluten-free.

• Tablets or capsules: handy on the go. Sometimes chewable For when you don't want to swallow.
• Drops: to milk or cream treat beforehand. You add a few drops, leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours, and the lactose is largely broken down. This works well for coffee with milk or for pancake batter.

When to use and when not to use lactase pills

Lactase is useful for occasional situations: a cappuccino on the go, a scoop of ice cream, a dinner party where you're not sure what's going on in the kitchen. It is less suitable as daily structural solution when your tummy is already restless; preferably choose lactose-free dairy or vegetable.
Use lactase not as a "solution at cow's milk intolerance or cow's milk allergy: in protein reactions, it simply does not help. Compare the differences here: Difference between lactose intolerance and cow's milk intolerance.

In summary, when to use and when not to use

Do use In situations such as:

• You want to occasionally a cappuccino, ice cream or pizza with plain cheese.
• You eat out and can't be sure everything is lactose-free.
• You want to stay flexible on vacation.

Not suitable as a solution at:

• Cow's milk intolerance: you then respond to milk proteins. Lactase only helps against lactose. Read more in Difference between cow's milk allergy and cow's milk intolerance.
• Cow's milk allergy: avoid cow's milk completely. Always consult with your doctor.

How many lactase pills do you need and how do you take them?

Everyone is different, and products differ. Always use the directions on the package. This practical chart will help you get started:

• Small portion of lactose such as a splash of milk in coffee or a small dessert: start with a lower strength such as 3,000 to 5,000 FCC. If it does not work sufficiently, raise at next time.
• Average serving such as a cappuccino with regular milk and a cake with milk solids, or a bowl of yogurt: usually 5,000 to 10,000 FCC.
• Lactose-rich meal like pizza with extra cheese plus ice cream on top: sometimes 10,000 FCC or more needed, or spread your intake over meals.

Note: I am not a doctor and do not give medical advice. Use supplements wisely and consult with your healthcare provider when in doubt.

Timing tips

• Take the pill with the first bite or no more than a few minutes before.
• Eat your longer than 30 to 45 minutes through with lactose, take extra according to package.
• Combine your lactose-free dairy with ordinary products, then sometimes you have less needed.

Are there any side effects or risks with lactose intolerance pills?

Lactase is generally well tolerated. If you do notice gas or bloating, the dose was usually too low for what you ate. Also check the excipients: very occasionally a sweetener or filler will cause hassle. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Or involves young children? When in doubt, consult with your health care provider; there are child-friendly drops and dosages.

Choosing smartly in the store

Look beyond price: compare FCC per dose. Does the form fit your life (chew tablet in your bag, drops for home)? Do you want vegan/vegetarian or gluten-free? Keep tablets cool and dry; a small pouch in your bag prevents crumbs. And remember: even with a good pill, reading labels is still important. Helpful tool: Check the ingredient list.

Useful combinations with other NooMooo blogs

• More background on digestion: What does lactase do
• Basic knowledge and symptoms: What is lactose intolerance
• Proteins versus sugars: What is cow's milk intolerance
• Smart label reading: Check the ingredient list
• Choosing cheese without the tummy hassle: Which cheeses contain high or low levels of lactose
• Fun fact for doubters: Is there lactose in egg

Lactase pills Are a useful tool for people with lactose intolerance who occasionally want to participate in regular dairy. They give flexibility, but are not a license to eat unlimited amounts of everything. Choose consciously, test what works for you and combine with lactose-free options. This keeps your tummy calm and your life nice and simple.

Note: I am not a doctor and do not give medical advice. Use supplements wisely and consult with your healthcare provider when in doubt.

Frequently asked questions about lactose intolerance pills

With lactase pills, do I always have clearance

No. They help with lactose, but not at milk proteins. At cow's milk intolerance or cow's milk allergy you can still get complaints.

Do lactase drops also work in plant milk

No. There is no lactose in plant-based drinks. When in doubt, choose products labeled lactose-free.

Can I take pills and still use lactose-free dairy

Yes. This is allowed together and may even mean less need pills.

Makes heating lactose harmless

No. Lactose remains present in pastry or sauce. You then still have lactase or lactose-free alternatives needed.