{"title":"Lactase","description":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 1,\n      \"name\": \"Home\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 2,\n      \"name\": \"Categories\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 3,\n      \"name\": \"Lactase\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/lactase\/\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"CollectionPage\",\n  \"name\": \"Lactase at Plenthera\",\n  \"description\": \"Enzyme complexes with lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar).\",\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/lactase\/\",\n  \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\n  \"isPartOf\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebSite\",\n    \"name\": \"Plenthera\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/\"\n  },\n  \"about\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n    \"name\": \"Lactase\",\n    \"alternateName\": [\n      \"β-galactosidase\"\n    ],\n    \"description\": \"Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar).\"\n  }\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is lactase?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose. In lactose intolerance, the body produces insufficient lactase.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"When should you take lactase?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"With or just before a meal containing lactose.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Which lactase products does Plenthera stock?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No single lactase product, but two enzyme complexes with lactase: Devigest ADS (2,000 ALU per 2 capsules) and Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes (1,000 ALU per capsule). Both are below the 4,500 FCC units required for the EFSA claim for lactase.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\n\u003carticle\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWritten by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: 21 September 2026.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLactase is the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose) — and in lactose intolerance, precisely the enzyme the body produces insufficiently. At Plenthera you will find lactase as part of broad enzyme complexes: Devigest ADS and Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes combine lactase with amylase, protease, lipase and other digestive enzymes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cnav aria-label=\"Table of contents\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#vergelijking\"\u003eWhich enzyme complex suits you?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#wat-is-lactase\"\u003eWhat is lactase?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#wetenschap\"\u003eWhat does science say about lactase?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#vormen\"\u003eThe lactase forms at Plenthera\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#hoe-gebruik\"\u003eHow do you use lactase?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#mythes\"\u003eMyths and misconceptions about lactase\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#combineren\"\u003eCombining lactase with other supplements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#bronnen\"\u003eSources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"vergelijking\"\u003eWhich enzyme complex suits you?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLactase per serving\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDevigest ADS (180 caps, also 3×180)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2,000 ALU per 2 capsules\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBroad enzyme complex for mixed meals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDoctor's Best Digestive Enzymes (90 caps)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1,000 ALU per capsule\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 enzymes in one vegetarian capsule\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth complexes contain lactase below the 4,500 FCC units per serving required for the EFSA claim; they therefore do not carry a lactase claim. We do not currently stock a single, high-dose lactase product.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"wat-is-lactase\"\u003eWhat is lactase?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLactase (β-galactosidase) is an enzyme that breaks down lactose — the sugar in milk and dairy — into glucose and galactose. In lactose intolerance, the body produces insufficient lactase of its own, so lactose reaches the large intestine undigested and is fermented there by the gut flora — resulting in bloating, gas and diarrhoea.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide, a large proportion of adults lose the ability to produce sufficient lactase after childhood — an evolutionary process that is normal for mammals. In the Netherlands and Northern Europe, centuries of dairy consumption have led to genetic \"lactase persistence\" in about 75% of the population. For the remaining 25% and for people from other regions (Asian, African, Mediterranean), lactose intolerance is common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLactase supplements provide extra lactase in the gut at the moment lactose arrives. For the authorised EFSA claim, a minimum of 4,500 FCC units per serving applies, to be taken with each lactose-containing meal; tolerance to lactose varies from person to person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso see our \u003ca href=\"\/en-cy\/collections\/spijsverteringsenzymen\"\u003edigestive enzymes category\u003c\/a\u003e for broad enzyme complexes and our \u003ca href=\"\/en-cy\/collections\/levende-culturen\"\u003elive cultures (probiotics)\u003c\/a\u003e for the flora component.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"wetenschap\"\u003eWhat does science say about lactase?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe action of lactase is biochemically clear: the enzyme splits lactose into glucose and galactose, which the body can absorb. Lactase is moreover the only enzyme with an authorised health claim in EU Regulation 432\/2012:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Lactase enzyme improves lactose digestion in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConditions of use for the claim: the claim applies to food supplements with at least 4,500 FCC units per dose, to be taken with each lactose-containing meal. Tolerance to lactose varies from person to person; seek advice on the role of lactase in your diet. Products below 4,500 FCC per serving may not carry this claim — this also applies to the enzyme complexes in this category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"vormen\"\u003eThe lactase forms at Plenthera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDevigest ADS — enzyme formula, 180 capsules\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBroad complex from Arthur Andrew Medical with amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase and 2,000 ALU lactase per 2 capsules, among others. Also available as a 3×180 value pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoctor's Best Digestive Enzymes — 16 enzymes, 90 vegetarian capsules\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSixteen plant-based enzymes in one capsule, including 1,000 ALU lactase. Vegetarian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther forms on the market\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle lactase in tablets (usually 3,000–10,000 FCC) and drops for pre-treating milk do exist, but are not in our range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"hoe-gebruik\"\u003eHow do you use lactase?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA simple basic approach for the enzyme complexes in this category:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake the capsule(s) with or just before the meal, according to the dosage on the label.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not exceed the recommended daily dose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine with \u003ca href=\"\/en-cy\/collections\/levende-culturen\"\u003elive cultures (probiotics)\u003c\/a\u003e if you also want to address the flora theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"mythes\"\u003eMyths and misconceptions about lactase\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 1: \"Lactose intolerant means I can never eat dairy.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncorrect. Tolerance to lactose varies from person to person, and many people tolerate small amounts or fermented dairy. Discuss with a doctor or dietitian what suits you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 2: \"Yoghurt always requires lactase.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften not — yoghurt cultures already break down part of the lactose during fermentation. Many lactose-intolerant people tolerate yoghurt without supplementation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 3: \"More enzyme is always better.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot automatically. Stick to the dosage on the label; how much lactose you tolerate varies from person to person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 4: \"Lactase still works after the meal.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn enzyme acts on the lactose present in the gut at the same time; therefore take it with the meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"combineren\"\u003eCombining lactase with other supplements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLactase is often combined for the broader digestion theme. Popular combinations:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-cy\/collections\/spijsverteringsenzymen\"\u003eDigestive enzyme complex\u003c\/a\u003e: for those who want to break down other nutrients besides lactose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-cy\/collections\/levende-culturen\"\u003eLive cultures (probiotics)\u003c\/a\u003e: yoghurt bacteria also partly digest lactose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-cy\/collections\/calcium\"\u003eCalcium\u003c\/a\u003e: calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones — logical for those who limit dairy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-cy\/collections\/vitamine-d\"\u003eVitamin D\u003c\/a\u003e: contributes to normal absorption\/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is lactase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does lactase work in lactose intolerance?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt provides the enzyme the body produces insufficiently, so that lactose is split in the small intestine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should you take lactase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith or just before a meal containing lactose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich lactase products does Plenthera stock?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo single lactase product, but two enzyme complexes with lactase: Devigest ADS (2,000 ALU per 2 capsules) and Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes (1,000 ALU per capsule).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMay these products carry the lactase claim?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The EFSA claim requires at least 4,500 FCC units per serving; both complexes are below that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVegan lactase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLactase is produced microbially from Aspergillus oryzae or Kluyveromyces lactis. Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes is vegetarian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes lactase have side effects?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally well tolerated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifference between lactase and Lactaid?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLactaid is an American brand. Lactase is the generic name of the enzyme.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"bronnen\"\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEFSA Regulation (EU) 432\/2012 — authorised health claim for lactase enzyme (at least 4,500 FCC per dose); the only enzyme claim on the list.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoxas M., \"The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders\", Altern Med Rev (2008).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuarez F. et al., \"Lactose maldigestion is not an impediment to the consumption of milk\", Am J Clin Nutr (1998).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Lactase is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n","products":[{"product_id":"arthur-andrew-devigest-ads-180-caps","title":"Devigest ADS® – Enzyme Formula – 180 capsules","description":"\u003cp\u003eA broad spectrum of digestive enzymes in one formula. Devigest ADS® by Arthur Andrew Medical combines peptidase DPP-IV, lactase (2,000 ALU), alpha-galactosidase and an extensive enzyme complex (including bromelain, lipase and papain). Plant-based capsules, free from gluten, soy and dairy. 180 capsules, enough for 90 servings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arthur Andrew Medical","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56767413518681,"sku":"AAM1010","price":50.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/files\/Devigest_7e278132-1701-4730-bdcc-e96d0772e09c.webp?v=1784278464"},{"product_id":"doctors-best-digestive-enzymes-90-vcaps","title":"Digestive Enzymes – 16 enzymes – 90 vegetarian capsules","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoctor's Best Digestive Enzymes is a broad-spectrum formula with sixteen digestive enzymes from microbial sources, targeting carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibre and bean sugars. The formula also contains 1 billion CFU Bacillus subtilis (live micro-organisms), a spore-forming strain that withstands production and storage. Everything comes in one plant-based capsule of about 450 mg enzyme blend. The jar of 90 capsules lasts 30 days at one capsule per meal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Doctor's Best","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56769254588761,"sku":"9249","price":30.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/files\/DrBestDigestiveenymen_88c2166c-559c-4ccb-9ed0-f73212364833.webp?v=1783515313"},{"product_id":"arthur-andrew-devigest-ads-3x180-caps-aanbieding","title":"Devigest ADS® - 3x180 caps - Special Offer","description":"\u003cp\u003eDevigest® ADS is an enzyme formula with a broad spectrum of digestive enzymes, including peptidase DPP-IV, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, bromelain, and proteases. The product contains plant-based capsules and is free from gluten, soy, and dairy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValue pack of 3 jars of Devigest® ADS (3×180 capsules, 540 capsules total, 270 servings).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arthur Andrew Medical","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56769519747417,"sku":"BP-AAM-010","price":137.56,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/files\/Devigest3x180.webp?v=1784278558"},{"product_id":"arthur-andrew-devigest-ads-4x180-capsules-3-1-gratis","title":"Devigest ADS® – Enzyme Formula – 4×180 capsules – 3+1 Free","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFour jars of Arthur Andrew Devigest® ADS in one 3+1 pack – you pay for three, the fourth is free.\u003c\/strong\u003e Devigest® ADS is a broad-spectrum enzyme formula in plant-based capsules: per serving of 2 capsules, including peptidase DPP-IV, lactase (2,000 ALU), alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme blend with amylase, lipase, cellulase and papain, and a protease blend of 50,000 HUT. Tested for the absence of gluten, dairy and soy; vegetarian, Non-GMO tested, Star-K Kosher. Take 1–2 capsules just before a meal. 4 × 180 capsules = 720 capsules, approx. 360 servings. The product information below applies per jar.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arthur Andrew Medical","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59607908680025,"sku":null,"price":152.85,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/files\/arthur-andrew-medical-devigest-4x180-capsules-voordeelpakket-3plus1_b46302a5-0454-4a32-98f6-62aad24e1b43.jpg?v=1790764390"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/collections\/doctors-best-digestive-enzymes-90vcaps-3.jpg?v=1776088427","url":"https:\/\/www.plenthera.com\/en-cy\/collections\/lactase.oembed","provider":"Plenthera","version":"1.0","type":"link"}