LACTOSE INTOLERANCE:

Milk that is produced by either animals or humans contains lactose. Lactose is a complex sugar made up of 2 simple sugars; glucose and galactose. The human body can only burn simple sugars; complex sugars like lactose need to be broken down by the body before they can be burned up as energy. Enzymes produced by our body enable the breakdown of complex sugars to simple sugars. Lactase is the enzyme that helps convert lactose into glucose and galactose. It is common for adults and some children to have a deficiency of lactase. Anyone with a lactase deficiency will struggle to digest lactose and therefore suffer from lactose intolerance (dairy product intolerance).

CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF LACTOSE INTOLERANCE:

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Excessive intestinal gas
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Diarrhoea

TREATMENT:

Dietary restriction of lactose

  • Consult your doctor or dietician for a suggested lactose free diet.

Or

Lactase replacement

  • This occurs when lactase (from an external source) is added to a lactose rich diet. The added lactase helps digest the lactose and prevents the fermentation of unconverted lactose.

LACTAZE:

LACTAZE is a replacement for the enzyme lactase and is available in both tablet form and drops. Commence treatment with the recommended dosage, and then decrease or increase the amount of LACTAZE as required. Each individual may have different levels of lactose intolerance. If your symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

DOSAGE:

Lactaze Extra Strength Tablets
Extra Strength: 1-2 tablets with first bite of food.

Lactaze Drops
Add 5 drops to each litre of milk, regardless of whether it is skimmed, 2% or full cream, as all types of milk contain the same amount of lactose. Treated milk can be used in the same way as regular milk.

BREAST FEEDING

1. Express a few tablespoons of breast-milk into a sterilised container and add 4 drops of LACTAZE.
2. Wait a few minutes and give this mixture to the baby and then breast feed as normal.

Studies have shown that this method forms a “coating” for the baby’s digestive system which allows the remaining breast milk to be digested normally.

If baby is very sensitive and requires the use of Tablets instead of Drops (tablets replace the lactase enzyme directly rather than converting the lactose in the breast milk).

To use the tablets for breast feeding - crush quarter to half of a LACTAZE Tablet and mix with a little expressed breast milk or boiled and cooled water to form a thin paste. Put the mixture on baby’s tongue before breast feeding. The amount needed will depend on the individual baby’s needs.

Any excess LACTAZE will be eliminated through the digestive system.

EXPRESSED BREAST-MILK

Add LACTAZE as per dosage, shake well and wait 30 minutes prior to consumption. Do not refrigerate. This will convert approximately 90% lactose.

Alternatively, to prepare feed in advance, add LACTAZE to warm expressed milk, shake well and wait 5 minutes before refrigerating for 4 hours prior to consumption. This will convert approximately 80% lactose.

BABY FORMULAS

Add LACTAZE to warm infant formula as per dosage, shake well and wait 30 minutes prior to consumption. Do not refrigerate. This will convert approximately 80% lactose.

Alternatively, to prepare feed in advance, add LACTAZE to warm infant formula, shake well and wait 5 minutes before refrigerating for 4 hours prior to consumption. This will convert approximately 60% lactose.

FREEZING BREAST-MILK

Follow the instructions for expressed breast milk above, making sure that breast milk mixture is not frozen until after the conversion process has taken place. Then simply thaw and use as needed. Discard any milk that is not used after thawing. Do not refreeze.

Note: LACTAZE is an enzyme and works better at warm temperatures. Do not add to very cold or hot milk.

OTHER LIQUID MILK PRODUCTS

Liquid milk products e.g. cow's milk and milk-based beverages: 5 drops per 1L of cow's milk product 24 hrs prior to use.

Tablets:

LACTAZE Extra Strength Tablets need to be taken every time dairy products are consumed. Simply chew or swallow 1-2 tablets just before consuming dairy foods such as milk, pizza, cheese or ice cream.

The dose may be adjusted to suit the individual's needs. The more dairy eaten, the more LACTAZE needed. Any excess enzyme is simply eliminated from the body through the digestive system.

For young children, the tablet can be crushed in a little bit of water or jam if the child doesn't like chewing tablets.

The effect of the tablets is temporary - maximum 1 hour.
If after 1 hour more dairy is consumed, the dose needs to be repeated.

SIDE EFFECTS:
LACTAZE is safe and does not produce any side effects.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Store LACTAZE tablets below 25°C, away from heat.
  • Refrigerate LACTAZE Drops after opening.
  • Do not use LACTAZE if security seal is broken.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

SUPPLEMENT FACTS:

Extra Strength tablets:

Serving size: 2 Tablets
Amount per serving: Lactase enzyme activity 8000 FCCLU*
*Daily value not yet established

Ingredients: Lactase enzyme, Dextrose, Microcrystalline cellulose, Calcium strearate, Natural mint flavour.

Drops:

Serving size: 5 drops
Amount per serving: Lactase enzyme activity 80 FCCLU*
*Daily value not yet established

Ingredients: Glycerine, Lactase enzyme.