Aspen launches Enze-Lact for lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerant individuals have a deficiency of an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose, the primary carbohydrate in milk, reducing it to simple sugars, glucose and galactose, which are readily absorbed into the blood. The undigested lactose produces a bacterial fermentation that results in the disorders mentioned above.

Enze-Lact® capsules and drops are used to assist with the digestion of lactose-containing milk or food products for those who have difficulty in digesting such products due to an inadequate production of lactase by the body.

Milk allergy or lactose intolerance?

Cow's milk intolerance is not to be confused with cow's milk allergy, which is a response of the immune system to a food or a food additive that has been eaten. Individuals or infants with cow's milk allergy can have reactions that involve gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract or anaphylaxis 1.

Cow's milk intolerance is a non-allergic, non-immunological reaction to cow's milk and may be life-long.

Cow's milk allergy generally starts in infancy, whereas lactose intolerance is more common in adults. Most lactose intolerant adults can still eat limited amounts of lactose without major symptoms, but generally, it appears that consuming more than 12g (equivalent of 240ml milk) can result in bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.