Lactase and digestive enzymes are supplements intended to aid digestion, minimizing the discomfort caused by digestive issues. These enzymes may also cause unwanted side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those you are taking them to address. All medications, including supplements, have the potential for side effects. The side effects for lactase and digestive enzymes are generally minor, causing gastrointestinal discomfort. However, allergies and more serious reactions are possible, so talk to your medical practitioner prior to use.
Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are complex proteins that occur naturally in your body and are also available in supplement form. Enzymes prompt chemical changes responsible for breaking down food for use as fuel. There are three classes of digestive enzymes: proteolytic enzymes, lipases, and amylases. Each class of digestive enzyme has a different role; proteolytic enzymes are responsible for digestion of proteins, lipases for fat and amylases break down carbohydrates.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition marked by your body's inability to produce enough lactase to digest lactose properly, a sugar found in milk and milk products, according to MayoClinic.com. This inability leads to a host of embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms, including excessive gas, abdominal bloating and cramps. Diarrhea or constipation may also occur. You can choose to cut out dairy products completely, bidding farewell to ice cream, or you can select a supplement such as lactase to aid digestion in hopes of preventing some of those symptoms.
Side Effects: Lactase
Lactase is a supplement that delivers the enzyme otherwise lacking in your small intestine, assisting your digestion of lactose. According to Drugs.com, lactase has no reports of common side effects. However, allergic reactions may still occur, including rashes, hives, congested sinuses, shortness of breath or swelling in the face, lips, tongue and mouth. See your medical practitioner if you experience any of these symptoms.
Digestion
Most of us struggle with digestion issues at one time or another, however, certain medical conditions place particular strain on your digestive system. Crohn's disease, celiac disease, pancreatitis and recent surgeries all contribute to problems with digestion. Your pancreas may also not produce enough enzymes to break down foods, a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. If your body is struggling to digest food, your medical practitioner may suggest taking a digestive enzyme to help break it down. You may also choose to use a digestive enzyme when following certain diet plans, such as a high-protein diet, to aid in digestion.
Side Effects: Digestive Enzymes
Side effects from digestive enzymes are typically mild and few. You may experience diarrhea, abdominal cramping or nausea. These symptoms should go away after awhile; however, if they persist or worsen, you should see your physician. Your doctor should also assess severe side effects, such as pain urinating or joint pain. Few people experience an allergic reaction to digestive enzymes, however, it is possible. Contact your physician if you experience facial swelling, difficulty breathing or dizziness.
References
- Drugs.com: Lactase Side Effects
- J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center: Digestive Enzymes
- MayoClinic.com: Lactose Intolerance
- PeaceHealth: Digestive Enzymes
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Problems Digesting Dairy Products?
- "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition"; An Open Label Study to Determine the Effects of an Oral Proteolytic Enzyme System on Whey Protein Concentrate Metabolism in Healthy Males; Julius Oben, et al.; July 2008
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