Lactose Intolerance Aid: Dosage Guidelines, Cautions, Potential Side Effects, and Additional Information
Lactaid pills, a non-prescription, over-the-counter medication in the United States, are lactase enzyme supplements that aid people with lactose intolerance in digesting dairy products. Approximately 70% of the world's population is affected by lactose intolerance, a condition where the body has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products [1].
These pills are effective in breaking down lactose, making dairy foods easier to digest. A person can take 1 to 2 Lactaid caplets with the first bite of dairy food, and if continuing to eat dairy, can repeat the dose as needed with subsequent servings [1]. However, it's important to note that there is no established upper limit on the number of lactase enzyme pills that can be taken daily, as the body easily tolerates them [3].
Key factors to consider when dosing Lactaid or similar lactase supplements include the amount of dairy consumed, individual tolerance levels, timing of intake, frequency of dairy meals, and the lack of known harmful effects or toxicity from taking multiple lactase pills daily or long-term use [3].
Health experts advise taking Lactaid pills with the first bite or sip of a dairy product to maximise effectiveness. Each pill typically works for between 30-45 minutes [1]. It's crucial to remember that everyone's tolerance level varies, and some may need more lactase enzyme than others to prevent symptoms [2].
While Lactaid pills are generally safe, people should follow a doctor's recommendation on their use. It's also important to note that Lactaid pills may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if a person has phenylketonuria [5].
In addition to Lactaid pills, other alternatives to using lactase supplements include consuming fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, as research from 2021 indicates that they can reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance [6]. Examples of lower lactose dairy products include hard cheese, butter, and yogurt [7].
It's always advisable to consult a doctor before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition. Health experts do not recommend Lactaid pills to children younger than 4 years old [1].
In conclusion, Lactaid pills can be a helpful solution for people with lactose intolerance, making it easier for them to enjoy dairy products. By understanding the key factors involved in dosing, individuals can manage their lactose intolerance effectively and maintain a balanced diet.
References:
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Lactose intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374273
[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Lactose intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance
[3] Lactaid. (n.d.). How Lactaid works. Retrieved from https://www.lactaid.com/en-us/how-lactaid-works
[4] MedlinePlus. (2021). Lactase enzyme. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/pharmacology.html/1000248597.htm
[5] FDA. (2021). Phenylketonurics: Food labeling. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/phenylketonurics-food-labeling
[6] O'Sullivan, O., Kelly, P., & Ross, R. P. (2021). Fermented dairy products and lactose intolerance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 13(10), 3387. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103387
[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Dairy products and lactose intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/dairy-products-and-lactose-intolerance
- Despite 70% of the world's population being affected by lactose intolerance, there are alternatives to avoid avoidance of dairy products, such as consuming probiotics-rich fermented dairy products like yogurt.
- Scientific research from 2021 has shown that consuming fermented dairy products can significantly reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
- Besides Lactaid pills, keeping a controlled balance of dairy products in your diet is crucial when dealing with lactose intolerance.
- Hard cheese, butter, and low-lactose yogurt are examples of dairy products that are tolerable even for people with lactose intolerance.
- When it comes to managing obesity and other related diseases, it's best to follow a doctor's advice on maintaining a balanced diet that includes proper nutrition and health-and-wellness therapies and treatments.
- A person with lactose intolerance can still benefit from the nutrition provided by dairy products by using Lactaid pills or other digestive enzymes to break down the lactose content.
- In addition to lactose intolerance, other common digestive diseases include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis, which can often benefit from science-backed therapies and treatments.
- While effective in managing symptoms of lactose intolerance, Lactaid pills should not be used as a long-term solution for dealing with other digestive diseases like ulcerative colitis or psoriasis.
- For people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, Bipolar disorder, or depression, proper nutrition, as well as medication and therapy, plays a vital role in recovering and maintaining overall health and well-being.
- In individual cases of lactose intolerance, GLP (Glucose-Regulating Peptide) supplements might be considered as an additional treatment option to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- GLP supplements are not a common treatment for lactose intolerance and should only be used under a doctor's supervision and advice.
- Lastly, when it comes to diseases like diabetes, hepatitis, or arthritis, proper management includes a combination of medication, nutrition, and regular health screenings as recommended by science and health experts.
