The Health Benefits of Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes milk sugar (lactose) into its component parts, glucose and galactose, and assists in the digestion dairy products such as, ice cream, milk and cheese. Nutritionists estimate that 10-20% of the U.S. population is lactose intolerant, meaning they have an inability to break down lactose in many of the dairy products they eat.

Some ethnic groups have much higher levels of lactose intolerance. For example, research suggests that up to 75% of all African-Americans and Native Americans, and 90% of Asian-Americans experience at least some difficulty digesting milk sugar. But these are not the only people who may be susceptible to an imbalance of lactase in the gut. Certain digestive diseases and even minor injuries to the intestines can alter our enzyme balance.

The body naturally produces the lactase enzyme in the brush boreder of our small intestines, unless we are lactose intolerant. Lactase production is particularly high when we are infants because lactose accounts for roughly 40% of the total calorie content of breast milk.

The use of lactase as a supplemental agent to help people properly digest lactose has long been confirmed by the scientific community. Here are some of the great health benefits and studies that support the benefits of enzymes such as lactase:

Lactose Intolerance
Whereas animal-based lactase has been used for many years by people with lactose intolerance, increasing research on plant-based lactase offers some exciting evidence that it can offer just as many health benefits. A recent review published in the 2008 “Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic found lactase to be an effective support for digestive imbalances.

Reduction in gas and bloating
Clinical research examining the health benefits of lactase has found that it may offer prevention and reduction of flatulence in human beings. Placebo-based studies show that preparations of microbial lactase can significantly lower belching, hydrogen production, bloating and other symptoms of flatulence in individuals with a reduced lactase count in the gut.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The aforementioned research suggests that similar enzymes may play a role in the reduction of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This further leads us to the conclusion that supplementing with a lactase enzyme may help the estimated 1-in-5 Americans who have irritable bowel syndrome.

Digestive upset in children with autism
Studies also show a correlation between chronic diarrhea, children with autism spectrum disorder and lowered amounts of intestinal disaccharidase activity (i.e. presence of important digestive enzymes such as lactase, sucrase, and maltase.)

Inflammation in the digestive tract
Studies suggest that a reduced amount of intestinal lactase enzyme activity may contribute to diarrhea, infection, mucosal presence and other inflammatory responses in the gut. Supplementing with lactase may ease inflammatory responses such as indigestion, loose stools and sinus inflammation. To avoid these issues, supplementing with lactase may be an excellent idea.

Prevention of digestive upset associated with congenital digestive conditions
Scientists are now understanding the link between genetics and the digestive system. Some children and infants have chronic diarrhea, as well as cramping and abdominal distension. Studies show that the use of fungal-derived lactase in human studies have shown significant clinical improvements in children with these extremely challenging digestive conditions. This research further suggests a clear link between the use of carbohydrase enzymes like lactase as a useful aid for correcting digestive upset associated with enzyme deficiencies.

Lactase (FCC ALU/g) is measured in ALU’s (Lactase Units) based on the hydrolysis of carbohydrates. One ALU is calculated using a 15-minute hydrolysis of an o-nitrophenyl-ß-D-galactopyranoside substrate at 37°C and pH 4.5.

The FCC notation stands for Foods Chemical Codex, and is a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia). It sets standards for ingredients. In the case of enzymes, FCC is a standard assay used to accurately determine the activity of enzymes. The current compendium is FCC VI.

Find a source that comes from all vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, contains no animal product and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The best form of lactase is derived from the fermentation of A. oryzae.

References:

“Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic”; The Role of Enzyme Supplementation in Digestive Disorders; Roxas; December 2008 PMID: 19152478Simadibrata M, Wanders RJA, Jan G, et al. Intestinal and colonic diseases: examination of small bowel enzymes in chronic diarrhea. J Gastroenterol Hepatol2003;18;53-6. (PDF)Horvath K, Papadimitriou JC, Rabsztyn A, Drachenberg C, Tildon JT. Gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autistic disorder. JPediatr1999;135:559-63. PMID: 10547242Treem WR, Ahsan N, Sullivan B, et al. Evaluation of liquid yeast-derived sucrase enzyme replacement in patients with sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. Gastroenterology1993;105:1061. PMID: 8405850Making Sense of Digestive Enzymes (PDF)Lactose Intolerance. NIH Publication No. 98-2751. National HYPERLINK “http://www.diet-and-health.net/Supplements/Lactase.html” Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghousehttp://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/whatsinbreastmilk.html

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Study: Phytochemical Found in Broccoli & Cauliflower Attacks Prostate Cancer Cells

We all know that it’s important to eat our vegetables. At least, that’s what most of us have heard since we were kids. What our mother’s told us as when we were young, our doctors tell us as we get older. Sometimes though, it helps to have a more specific reason than high cholesterol, or even a motherly “because I said so.” Especially for people who aren’t big fans of eating organic greens.

According to a new study conducted at Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Micronutrient Research Institute confirms that sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in broccoli and related cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower and cabbage, have a natural ability to target and attack prostate cancer cells without harming neighboring cells. Unconnected studies suggest it may have similar promise for breast cancer.

The active chemicals found in everyday foods – such as broccoli – are often much more potent than people would imagine. If fact, determining how to safely adapt these chemical ingredients for medical use is one of the biggest hurdles researchers face. Even edible plants that are considered “rich” in a given nutritional substance contain relatively low amounts of it by volume. The vast majority of these compounds may also become toxic to humans if taken in large enough concentrations.

While a number of previous investigations have proven that sulforaphane is able to attack both benign and malignant cancer cells, the Oregon State study is one of the first to prove that it is effective without disrupting otherwise healthy tissue. This gives researchers a tremendous tool for developing new, low-risk treatment options, and is likely to encourage additional research into the healing potential of other seemingly mundane edible plants.

Realistically, it could be some time before these findings are applied to any sort of drug development or cancer treatment in a traditional hospital setting. Meanwhile though, the researchers behind the study recommend that we all eat more organic cruciferous vegetables.

Besides broccoli, a number of readily available cruciferous vegetables contain naturally large amounts of sulforaphane. Some good examples of foods high in this important phytochemical include mild and spicy radishes, turnips, watercress, cabbage, arugula, kale, chard, and most other leafy greens.

Unrelated studies also suggest a variety of other cancer-fighting compounds may be present in other herbs and garden vegetables. Celery and parsley, for instance, are especially rich in apigenin – a substance that has shown remarkable promise for fighting breast cancer. Trace amounts of apigenin are also found in oranges, apples, and some tree nuts. The problem is, it’s very difficult for the body to effectively extract it from any of these foods on its own.

Supplementing a balanced diet with natural digestive enzymes is a good way to break down and absorb these compounds, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It is recommend that you use a systemic and digestive enzymes supplement.

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Pesticides Bug Me: An Organic Awareness Campaign By CCOF

Many of you may already know, but our farm, Earth Harmony Organics, is certified organic by CCOF. As a contributing member, I frequently visit CCOF.org to get the latest organic news and check out their ever-growing list of resources.

I was pleased to see a new campaign that they recently started called “Pesticides Bug Me“. The goal is to educate the public about the detrimental effects of pesticides and to encourage consumers to buy certified organic products, helping to keep toxic pesticides out of their food and the environment. By raising awareness on this important issue, we can help wipe out the devastating effects of these toxic chemicals, save our planet and protect our health.

Executive Director of CCOF, Cathy Calfo: “At CCOF we don’t want to live in a world with unhealthy people and no bees. By purchasing certified organic and looking for the USDA label, consumers can make sure that they are buying clean, safe food.”

If pesticides bug you like they bug me and you are looking for a great cause to support, this may be the perfect fit. Right now, CCOF is accepting donations through their web site to the “Pesticides Bug Me” campaign. All donations will help support their non-profit efforts to certify organic products throughout the United States.

Remember, too, that buying certified organic products supports not only certifying agencies but organic farmers and distributors of organic produce, helping them to stay in business and increase the amount of land that is farmed using organic methods.

We understand if you can’t donate anything, as money is pretty tight for many people right now. You should at least check out CCOF’s site. They are one of the best resources for anybody looking to learn more about avoiding harmful chemicals in their food. Next time one of your friends or family members asks why you spend extra money on that carton of certified organic strawberries you’ll be able to rattle off some compelling facts about why, in the words of CCOF, “pesticides are scary stuff.”

As a part of their awareness campaign, CCOF is holding a t-shirt design contest for artists and graphic designers. They are accepting submissions from now until October 17, 2011. The winner will receive $250, inclusion of their artwork on the official “Pesticides Bug Me” t-shirt and be listed as an official graphic designer on the CCOF web site so that any members of the organic community needing design work can find you easily.

More details about the t-shirt design contest can be found by clicking on this link.

~Dr. G

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