Understanding Lactase Enzyme Units (FCC)
Lactase enzyme supplements are measured in FCC units, or Food Chemical Codex lactase units. This is a standard measurement of an enzyme's activity level, indicating its ability to break down a specific substance under certain conditions. For lactase, the FCC unit count reflects how much of the milk sugar lactose the enzyme can break down. This is a measure of activity, not weight, so a higher FCC number signifies a more potent dose.
The FCC system ensures a consistent standard across different products. This helps consumers and manufacturers ensure that a certain level of effectiveness is being delivered. It is a more reliable metric than comparing products by weight, as the concentration of the lactase enzyme can vary significantly by brand.
Lactaid Product Strengths and How They Compare
The Lactaid brand offers several different products, each with a specific amount of lactase enzyme per serving. The main strengths available are Fast Act/Original Strength and Extra Strength. The key difference lies in the FCC unit count and the recommended dosage.
| Product Name | Format | Lactase Enzyme per Serving | Recommended Dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactaid Fast Act | Caplets | 9000 FCC units (per caplet) | 1-2 caplets |
| Lactaid Fast Act | Chewables | 9000 FCC units (per chewable) | 1-2 chewables |
| Lactaid Original Strength | Caplets | 9000 FCC units (per serving of 3) | Up to 3 caplets |
| Lactaid Extra Strength | Tablets | 4500 FCC units (per tablet) | Start with 2 tablets, up to 4 |
Lactaid Fast Act and Original Strength
Both the Fast Act and Original Strength products deliver a significant enzyme dose per serving. Lactaid Fast Act is designed for rapid relief and provides 9000 FCC units in a single caplet or chewable tablet. Original Strength caplets also contain 9000 FCC units, but the dosage instructions suggest taking up to three caplets with your first bite, indicating a different formulation or intended use than the Fast Act version. This allows users to adjust their intake based on their sensitivity and the dairy content of their meal.
Lactaid Extra Strength
Lactaid Extra Strength tablets are formulated with a lower FCC unit count per individual tablet. Each tablet contains 4500 FCC units of lactase enzyme. The recommended dosage starts with two tablets, which provides a total of 9000 FCC units per dose, similar to the Fast Act and Original Strength products. This allows for more precise dosage control; a person with less severe lactose intolerance may be able to use just one tablet, while those with greater sensitivity can take two or more.
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Lactase Enzyme Supplements
To ensure the best results from a Lactaid supplement, proper timing and usage are key. Here are some tips to help you effectively manage your lactose intolerance:
- Take it with your first bite: The enzyme needs to be in your stomach and small intestine to mix with the food and break down the lactose. Taking the supplement just before or with your first bite of dairy is the most effective method.
- Adjust dosage based on dairy intake: The amount of lactase needed is proportional to the amount of lactose consumed. If you are having a small amount of dairy, one dose may be enough. For a large, rich, or dense dairy-heavy meal, you may need a larger dose or a repeat dose after 30-45 minutes.
- Use Lactaid milk: Lactaid milk has the enzyme already added during processing, which pre-digests the lactose. This can be a reliable choice for cooking, cereal, or drinking.
- Avoid refrigeration: The product label on Lactaid tablets and caplets advises against refrigeration and to keep them away from heat and humidity, as these conditions can affect the enzyme's stability and effectiveness.
- Read the label: Always follow the specific directions on your Lactaid product packaging, as formulations can differ. For instance, the serving size for caplets might be one, while for tablets, it could be two.
Conclusion
The amount of lactase enzyme in Lactaid products varies significantly by product line, with the primary strengths being 4500 FCC and 9000 FCC per tablet or caplet, respectively. The FCC units provide a standardized measure of enzyme activity, offering a clear way to compare product potency. The best way to determine the correct dose is to start with the recommended serving size for your chosen product and adjust based on your personal needs and the amount of dairy being consumed. Always remember to take the supplement with your first bite to ensure it works properly. For more health information, consider consulting a reputable source like the Drugs.com website.
