Ingredient: Lactase enzyme.
Lactaid Original: Each caplet contains 3000 FCC units of lactase enzyme.
Lactaid Fact Act: Each caplet or chewable tablet contains 9000 FCC units of lactase enzyme.
*Lactaid milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, half & half, eggnog, and organic milk is also available (all 100% lactose free).
To prevent gas, bloating, and diarrhea in patients who are lactose intolerant: 9000 FCC units with the first bite of dairy foods.
Pharmacology:
Lactase enzyme is normally produced in the small intestine and is needed to break down lactose, the major sugar component of dairy products. Lactose is composed of two simple sugars, glucose and galactose, which are easily digested after lactose is broken down.
Evaluation:
Lactose intolerance is manifested by the body’s inability to completely breakdown ingested lactose. Symptoms usually appear 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting lactose-containing foods such as dairy products. Symptoms can be mild to moderate and include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. A simple test is recommended by McNeil Nutritionals to determine whether the patient is lactose intolerant. Note: This test is not for persons with a known or suspected allergy to milk proteins.
Day 1: 1). Do not eat anything after 10 pm on the evening prior to the test. 2). Eat your normal breakfast and include a large glass of milk (any kind: whole, fat-free, chocolate, etc.). 3). Over the next six hours, keep track of any discomforts you may have and how severe they are. If you experience any unusual or extreme discomfort, consult a physician.
Day 2: 1). Do not eat anything after 10 pm on the evening prior to the test. 2). Prepare an identical breakfast to what you had on Day 1. 3). Swallow LACTAID Fast Act with your first bite of dairy food. Or drink a 12-ounce glass of LACTAID 100 Milk (while, fat-free, reduced-fat, whatever your preference) in place of the different brand of milk you had on Day 1. 4). If LACTAID Fast Act does not help reduce your symptoms, check with your doctor.
Contraindications/Precautions:
Symptoms which present even after using a lactase enzyme may be a sign of a different disease and a physician should be consulted.
Adverse Effects:
No known adverse effects exist.
Must be taken with the first bite of dairy foods.
Consult with a physician if this product does not prevent symptoms or if the symptoms seem unrelated to dairy product ingestion.
Patients who are limiting their dairy intake should consider supplementing their diet with calcium.