Lacto-Relief

Lacto-Relief is specifically designed to aid in the digestion of dairy products. Lactase in Lacto-Relief hydrolyzes lactose, thereby relieving the discomfort of lactose intolerance. Lacto-Relief not only aids in lactose digestion, but also in digestion of milk proteins and other foods consumed with dairy products.

Lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by the inability to break down the sugar found in milk, affects 10 to 16 percent of the entire American population. Lactose intolerance is the result of the body’s inability to produce enough of the enzyme lactase. Lactase deficiency can develop over time; sometimes beginning as early as age 2, when the body begins to produce less lactase. Lactase deficiency can also be the result of damage to the small intestine from severe digestive diseases or a congenital absence of the lactase gene.

In normal digestion, lactase breaks down the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose, two simpler forms of sugar. Glucose and galactose are then absorbed into the bloodstream. In people with lactose intolerance, when the lactase produced is insufficient to digest the amount of lactose consumed, the bowel retains water. Undigested lactose then passes from the small intestine into the colon where it is fermented by bacteria. The resulting symptoms can include cramping, bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea.