FAQ

What is lactose?

Lactose, a sugar present in the milk of mammals, provides energy, aids calcium absorption, and supports digestion. It's broken down by the enzyme lactase into glucose and galactose. Besides dairy products like yogurt and cheese, lactose is also found in processed foods, sausages, and some medicines.

What is lactose intolerance?

Many people can't enjoy dairy products due to lactose intolerance. Lactose, a sugar found in milk, is usually broken down by the enzyme lactase. However, those lacking this enzyme can't fully digest lactose, leading to symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, and bloating. Read more: Lactose Intolerance: All You Need to Know

Which forms of lactose intolerance are there?

Lactose intolerance comes in three forms. Primary lactose intolerance is hereditary, with lactase production decreasing after infancy, affecting around 75% of the global population. Secondary lactose intolerance results from damage to the small intestine, often due to chronic intestinal diseases or malnutrition, but may improve with treatment. The rare congenital form, caused by a genetic defect, prevents lactase production entirely, necessitating lactose-free nutrition for infants to prevent dehydration.

How am I tested for lactose intolerance?

If you suspect lactose intolerance, consult a doctor for a professional diagnosis. This could involve a hydrogen breath test, where a significant rise in breath hydrogen levels after consuming lactose indicates intolerance. Blood sugar tests measuring glucose levels can also be used. Genetic testing via a buccal swab can identify the inherited form of lactose intolerance. Read more to find out if you are lactose intolerant.

What is a lactase enzyme supplement?

Despite lactose intolerance, you can still enjoy dairy products by taking lactase enzyme tablets, like LactoJoy, before consuming lactose. These tablets break down lactose into simpler sugars, reducing or eliminating digestive issues. It's as simple as taking a tablet before your café latte to fully enjoy it without discomfort.

Is it possible to take an overdose of lactase?

Lactase enzyme supplements simply break down lactose into more digestible sugars. Any excess is excreted, so if unsure about dosage, it's safer to take a bit more to ensure adequate lactose breakdown. For more information, consider reading about the correct dosage. Read more about the right dosage.

What does FCC units per lactase tablet mean?

FCC (Food Chemical Codex) describes the enzyme activity of lactase. The higher the FCC unit, the more highly dosed the lactase is. To break down 1 g of milk sugar, the body needs about 1.000 FCC units of lactase. About 6.000 to 10.000 FCC units would be appropriate for one glass of milk (0.2 l) for example.

Does calculating the required FCC units per meal make sense?

The required amount of FCC units of lactase depends on factors like your body's lactase production, lactose content in food, the type of lactase supplement, and your physical condition on that day. Roughly 3,000 to 6,000 FCC units are needed to break down 5g of milk sugar (about 0.1 liters of milk). However, it's hard to precisely calculate the lactose in a meal. Over time, you'll learn how many FCC units you need. It's better to take a bit more as lactase can't be overdosed. Read more about the right dosage.

Can every baby drink breast milk?

Typically, newborns have high lactose tolerance and can digest breast milk well. However, 1-3% of newborns have congenital lactose intolerance, causing symptoms like diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach pain after nursing. If this occurs, consult a doctor promptly to prevent dehydration and malnutrition. For more information, refer to the blog post: My Kid Is Lactose Intolerant – A Guide for Parents

At what age can one start taking LactoJoy?

LactoJoy can safely be used by individuals of any age.

Can I take LactoJoy even when I am pregnant or nursing?

Yes, since LactoJoy is made of the enzyme lactase, which is usually produced by the body on its own, it’s harmless to use.

Can I take a higher dose of LactoJoy?

Yes, you can take a higher dose of LactoJoy, which contains 14,500 FCC units, to avoid calculating lactose content in your meal. Typically, 6,000 to 10,000 FCC units are sufficient for a glass of milk (0.2 l). If you need less, LactoJoy tablets can be split in half, providing 7,250 FCC units.