What Is the Main Ingredient in LACTAID®?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. For those affected, the solution often comes in the form of LACTAID®, and the question of what is the main ingredient in LACTAID® is key to understanding its function.

Quick Summary

The main ingredient in LACTAID® products, both supplements and milk, is the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy. This process helps prevent the uncomfortable symptoms associated with lactose intolerance like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. The enzyme aids digestion by effectively pre-digesting the lactose in milk and other dairy foods.

Key Points

Main Ingredient: The active component in LACTAID® is the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose.
Lactase Function: This enzyme splits lactose into glucose and galactose, which are easier for the body to digest and absorb.
Purpose: The lactase in LACTAID® helps prevent the gas, bloating, and diarrhea associated with lactose intolerance.
Product Variety: LACTAID® offers both supplements (pills and chewables) for on-the-go relief and pre-processed lactose-free milk.
How It Works: By supplementing the body's deficient lactase, the product helps digest lactose in the small intestine, preventing colonic fermentation.

The Core Ingredient: Lactase Enzyme

The fundamental and active component in all LACTAID® products is the lactase enzyme. This naturally occurring enzyme is what healthy bodies produce in the small intestine to break down lactose, the complex sugar found in milk and dairy products, into simpler, more digestible sugars: glucose and galactose. For individuals with lactose intolerance, the body produces insufficient amounts of this enzyme, leading to digestive issues when dairy is consumed. By introducing a supplemental source of lactase, LACTAID® allows these individuals to break down lactose and avoid symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

How the Lactase Enzyme Works

When lactose enters the small intestine of someone with a lactase deficiency, it remains largely undigested and travels to the colon where bacteria ferment it. This fermentation produces the gas and other symptoms of lactose intolerance. The lactase enzyme in LACTAID® aids this process in the small intestine.

Breaks Down Lactose: The lactase enzyme splits lactose into glucose and galactose.
Aids Absorption: These simpler sugars are easily absorbed by the small intestine.
Prevents Symptoms: Breaking down lactose before it reaches the large intestine stops the fermentation process.

Forms of LACTAID®: Supplements vs. Processed Dairy

LACTAID® offers both dietary supplements and specially treated dairy products.

LACTAID® Supplements

Supplements contain concentrated doses of the lactase enzyme and are taken before consuming dairy foods. Inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate are also present.

LACTAID® Milk and Dairy Products

In LACTAID® milk, the lactase enzyme is added during manufacturing, breaking down the lactose beforehand. This can result in a slightly sweeter taste as glucose and galactose are sweeter than lactose. The ingredients are similar to regular milk, with added lactase enzyme and sometimes vitamins.

Comparison of LACTAID® Supplements vs. Milk


Aspect	LACTAID® Supplements (Pills/Chewables)	LACTAID® Milk & Dairy Products
Application	Take before or with dairy-containing foods.	Use as a lactose-free substitute for regular milk.
Lactase Action	Enzyme acts on dairy you consume.	Enzyme has already broken down lactose in the milk.
Convenience	Portable for on-the-go dairy consumption.	Convenient for home use, but not for unexpected dairy.
Taste	No impact on dairy product taste.	Slightly sweeter taste than regular dairy.
Effectiveness	Dose can be adjusted.	Consistent relief as lactose is pre-neutralized.

Why Understanding the Main Ingredient Matters

Understanding the main ingredient in LACTAID® helps manage lactose intolerance effectively. It allows individuals to consume dairy and obtain important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which might be missed by avoiding dairy. LACTAID® is a dietary supplement providing a missing enzyme, not a drug. Taking the supplement at the same time as consuming dairy is key to its effectiveness.

Conclusion

The main ingredient in LACTAID® is the lactase enzyme, a natural digestive aid for lactose intolerance. Available as supplements or in pre-treated dairy, it breaks down lactose into digestible sugars, allowing individuals to enjoy dairy without symptoms. Understanding this helps in managing lactose sensitivity and improving digestive health and nutrient intake. For concerns about lactose intolerance, consult a healthcare provider.

More Resources

For additional information on lactose intolerance and the role of the lactase enzyme, you can consult the Cleveland Clinic's detailed page on the topic.

Cleveland Clinic: Lactase Chewable Tablets

Note: The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement or dietary regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

LACTAID® is considered a dietary supplement, not a drug. It provides a natural enzyme, lactase, that your body may not produce enough of on its own.

Lactose intolerance is the inability or reduced ability to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. This happens due to a deficiency of the lactase enzyme in the small intestine.

You take LACTAID® pills with your first bite of dairy food. The lactase enzyme in the pill mixes with the dairy in your digestive system and breaks down the lactose before it can cause problems.

The lactase enzyme is added to LACTAID® milk during processing to break down the lactose. The resulting sugars, glucose and galactose, are sweeter than lactose, giving the milk a slightly sweeter flavor.

Yes, LACTAID® supplements are safe for adults and children over four years old to use with every meal or snack containing dairy. You should take the supplement every time you consume dairy to help prevent symptoms.

No, LACTAID® only helps with lactose intolerance, which is an issue with digesting the milk sugar. It will not help with a milk protein allergy, which is an immune system response to proteins in milk.

If you forget, taking it as soon as you remember during the meal may still offer some benefit, but it is most effective when taken with the first bite. It will not treat symptoms once they have already started.