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Before understanding lactase, we need to first understand lactose. Lactose is a disaccharide unique to the milk of humans and other mammals. It is an important nutrient for growth and development. Lactose must be broken down into monosaccharides by lactase in the human small intestine before it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. It is a primary source of energy and is crucial for the brain, nervous system, gut microbiota, and calcium absorption.

Lactose intolerance occurs when there is insufficient secretion or low activity of lactase in the small intestine, preventing the complete breakdown of lactose.This leads to digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. Lactase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose (a natural sugar in dairy products) into galactose and glucose, which can be absorbed by the body. It is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries.

What are the benefits of lactase?

1.Prevention of lactose indigestion and lactose intolerance

The primary function of lactase is to help the body break down and absorb lactose, preventing diarrhea caused by lactose indigestion in infants after breastfeeding. In some cases, infants are born with a natural deficiency in lactase and cannot independently digest lactose. Therefore, parents should supplement their babies with lactase after birth to prevent lactose indigestion.

2.Helps shorten the duration of diarrhea

Infants have the highest levels of lactase in their bodies. As they grow, the activity of lactase gradually decreases, and its levels become lower. However, lactase levels are closely linked to diarrhea. If lactase is supplemented during a bout of diarrhea, it can help alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the condition.

3.Prevention of growth and developmental disorders

Lactose is an essential energy source for infants and plays a crucial role in their growth and development. The reason babies can absorb lactose is that lactase in their bodies first helps break down and digest lactose, allowing it to be properly absorbed.

4.Assisting in improving gastrointestinal dysfunction

Because babies' organs are not fully developed and their bodies are more fragile, they are more prone to illness, especially gastrointestinal problems. Any slight disruption can lead to diarrhea. This is often related to digestive and absorption issues in the small intestine. To alleviate this condition, in addition to medication, parents should provide timely lactase supplementation to support their babies' digestive health.

Lactose intolerance not only prevents children from consuming dairy products but also leads to nutrient loss due to symptoms like diarrhea, which can severely affect children's growth and development. Therefore, early diagnosis of lactase deficiency in children, along with effective intervention and symptom relief, is an important way to improve children's dairy intake.