LACTASE

Lactase (also known as lactase-phlorizin hydrolase, or LPH), a part of the β-galactosidase family of enzymes, is a glycoside hydrolase involved in the hydrolysis of the disaccharide lactose into constituent galactose and glucose monomers.

Lactase is present predominantly along the brush border membrane of the differentiated enterocytes lining the villi of the small intestines.

The biochemical reaction that involves lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar in milk and milk products.

Some people’s bodies do not make enough lactase, so they are not able to digest milk well.

These people are said to have “lactase deficiency” and are called “lactose intolerant.”

They can take supplemental lactase to help them break down lactose and tolerate milk.

In these people lactase can prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance including cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

Lactase is an enzyme that splits the milk sugar lactose, to produce the sugars glucose and galactose.

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