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Generally, there are no limits to Lactaid pills. A person can take them as needed when they eat dairy. According to the manufacturer, a Lactaid pill will typically work for between 30–45 minutes.

Lactaid pills are lactase enzyme supplements that help people with lactose intolerance digest lactose and other milk products easily.

This article explores how many Lactaid pills a person can take daily. It also covers factors to consider with dosing, precautions, possible side effects, when to consult a doctor, and alternatives.

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Lactaid is a fast-acting enzyme supplement that contains lactase. Lactase is the enzyme that converts lactose to glucose and galactose, easily digestible sugar.

However, people with lactose intolerance do not have enough lactase to break down lactose. They can experience symptoms, including:

Research suggests about 65% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. Many people with the condition avoid milk products.

Lactaid pills make dairy foods easy to digest for people with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity to lactose.

A 2021 study notes that lactase enzyme supplements can effectively treat people with lactose intolerance. According to a 2018 study, lactase enzyme supplements may also significantly improve colic symptoms in infants.

Lactase supplement is a nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medication in the United States.

Anecdotal evidence suggests the recommended dosages for adults and children may vary depending on the brand. However, a medical professional may consider the following factors:

  • a person’s medical history
  • the severity of symptoms
  • the strength of lactase supplements
  • the brand of lactase supplement

Lactaid pills are available online at Walmart.

Dosage

People should follow a doctor’s recommendation on taking Lactaid pills. A medical professional will usually advise a low dose and gradually increase it over time while assessing the person’s ability to tolerate milk products.

Health experts recommend taking lactase with the first bite or sip of a dairy product. People may take lactase daily with every meal and snack that contains dairy.

A Lactaid pill too early or late after a dairy meal could be less effective.

Doctors consider lactase supplements an addition to dietary management, not a substitute. Enzyme supplements may not completely relieve symptoms, making it difficult to determine the effective dose.

A person should discuss any medications or supplements they are taking with a doctor to reduce the risk of side effects due to drug interactions.

People should disclose to the doctor before taking Lactaid pills if they are:

  • nursing
  • pregnant
  • planning to conceive
  • allergic to lactase

There is little evidence of the safety of Lactaid pills for these populations.

Health experts do not recommend Lactaid pills to children younger than 4 years old or having 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Lactaid pills have few side effects. Lactaid pills may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if a person has phenylketonuria — a condition that affects how the body breaks down the amino acid phenylalanine.

Allergic reactions are also rare. However, a person may experience the following:

A 2016 study documented the first anaphylactic reaction to a lactase enzyme supplement.

People with other medical conditions should ask a doctor or medical professional if Lactaid pills are safe. An individual should contact the doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage to reduce the risk of side effects.

Is there any evidence of toxic effects?

There is no evidence of any potentially toxic effects from taking a high dose of Lactaid pills.

The risks of side effects from taking more lactase supplements are low because the body easily tolerates them.

However, following a doctor’s recommendation is best to prevent adverse effects. A person should contact a doctor immediately if they experience any side effects after taking additional Lactaid pills.

A person should contact a doctor immediately if their symptoms of lactose intolerance do not improve after using Lactaid pills. They should also speak with a doctor as soon as possible if they are experiencing any side effects.

A doctor will evaluate people’s symptoms and determine the best treatments.

Other alternatives to using lactase supplements include:

Fermented milk

Research from 2021 indicates that consuming fermented dairy products may reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Scientists believe drinking fermented milk products can increase lactase activity in the small intestine.

Probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms that keep the body healthy by protecting it against foreign body invasion.

An additional 2021 study suggests that probiotics can effectively treat lactose intolerance by producing lactase and changing the gut PH.

Dairy-free alternatives

There are lower protein levels but higher sugar levels in flavored milk alternatives. However, there are various options a person can consider as an alternative to dairy.

  • Soy milk: Nutritionally, soy milk is the best alternative for replacing cow’s milk in the human diet.
  • Almond milk: This dairy alternative has a balanced nutrient profile.
  • Rice milk: While it has limited nutrient diversity, it is a suitable alternative for people who can not have nuts.
  • Coconut milk: This milk has fewer nutritional benefits but is a suitable option for those allergic to nuts.

Doctors recommend people also test which lactose products they are more sensitive to. Some dairy products are naturally lower in lactose, and therefore, people may be able to tolerate these better. Examples of lower lactose include:

  • hard cheese
  • butter
  • yogurt

Lactaid pills can help prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactaid pills express the lactase enzyme to help the body properly digest dairy products.

Generally, a person can take as many Lactaid pills as needed when consuming dairy. However, they should speak with a doctor immediately if they have any side effects after taking Lactaid pills.

Fermented dairy products, probiotics, and dairy-free alternatives are other options that may help a person with lactose intolerance.