If the body lacks an enzyme such as lactase, then this deficiency can be compensated by the use of drugs that include this enzyme. The action of all lactase preparations is the breakdown of lactose in the human intestine to the monosaccharides of glucose and galactose.
Indications
The main indication for prescribing drugs based on the enzyme lactase is such a digestive problem as lactose intolerance in a child. With this pathological condition, the body does not have enough lactase to process milk sugar coming from food. And lactase preparations are needed to make up for the lack of this enzyme.
The use of these drugs helps to eliminate symptoms such as diarrhea, colic, flatulence, poor weight gain.
In this case, breastfeeding of a child with lactose intolerance can be preserved.
Benefits
- Lactase preparations effectively help to reduce the manifestations and symptoms of lactase deficiency and to maintain breastfeeding.
- Taking lactase helps improve digestion and helps normalize the intestinal microflora.
The use of lactase preparations can significantly expand the diet for people with intolerance to dairy products. If whole milk can be made lactose-free, then fermented milk products cannot be freed from milk sugar without deteriorating their taste, appearance and consistency. That is why taking lactase helps to include yoghurts, cottage cheese, cheese curds and other dairy products in the diet.
Harm
Overdose cases, as well as side effects of these drugs have not been identified.
For newborns
Breastfeeding children are given lactase preparations together with mother's milk. The woman expresses some milk and dilutes the lactase preparation in it, after which she leaves the milk for ten minutes to ferment. Milk is given to the child, after which the baby is breastfed.
For children who are fed with formula, lactase preparations are given along with food. The medicine is poured into the entire volume of the mixture for one feeding and after 10 minutes is given to the child.
For older children
Children over the age of five can be given lactase in capsules, but if the child cannot yet swallow them, then it is permissible to pour the contents of the capsules into unheated milk food. The dosage for five to seven year olds is two to seven capsules of lactase at a time.
Kinds
All drugs with lactase are conventionally divided into 2 groups:
- Preparations for which lactases are synthesized by microorganisms and yeasts with activity in a slightly alkaline and neutral environment. Such lactases "work" only at pH 6-7, so the scope of their use is limited. They are only used to ferment whole milk just before consumption. These drugs include Lactade, Lactozym, Maxilact, Lact-Aid.
- Medicines for which lactase is synthesized by fungi capable of acting in an acidic environment - at pH from 3.5 to 5. These lactases effectively break down lactose in fermented milk products. Such drugs include the drug Lactraza.
Lactase preparations are:
- Lactase. Each capsule contains 3450 units of enzyme. Recommended when consuming dairy products.
- Lactraza. The drug is taken 1-2 capsules before taking a dairy product.
- Tylactase. The medicine can be added to dairy products at the rate of 2 capsules per 1 liter, and then keep such products in the refrigerator.
- Lactase baby. Each capsule of such a preparation contains 700 units of the enzyme. It is prescribed for children in the calculation for every 100 ml of formula or breast milk, 1 capsule.
Lactase Baby
The lactase drug prescribed for children from the neonatal period to 7 years of age is "Lactase baby". This drug helps to quickly eliminate the symptoms of lactase deficiency and improve digestion. Its advantage in comparison with other lactase preparations lies in the lower dosage, which makes it possible to better select the right amount of the enzyme for one feeding.
The medicine is presented in a capsule form, but children under five years old can be given it without a capsule (the contents of the capsule are removed and dissolved in milk with a temperature not higher than +55 degrees). The drug is given with each meal, including lactose.
The dosage is determined by the age of the child, as well as the amount of food. For example, children under one year old are prescribed one capsule of the drug per 100 ml of milk.
