Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme found in the intestine, which breaks down milk sugar - lactose into simple sugars: glucose and galactose.

Its activity occurs between 8 week of intrauterine life in the developing fetus and gradually increases until the period of confinement. The highest activity is reached after birth and the age of its activity is gradually disappearing.

Lactase is often added to ice cream and ice lollies, because hydrolysed milk is sweeter and has a pleasant taste while maintaining the calorific value and other nutritional parameters.

The lack of lactase production is associated with the term lactose intolerance. Its deficit in the gut is a common phenomenon in adults and in some ethnic groups up to 40% of the population. It is either the primary phenomenon or occurs as a result of intestinal disease after resection.

With this kind of intolerance, digestive system does not produce enough lactase enzyme, and therefore part undivided lactose gets up into the colon, where it is fermented by colonic bacteria, hydrogen, methane, CO2 and fatty acids. This causes annoying problems as flatulence, bloating, cramps and diarrhea.