What is Neutral lactase?
Neutral lactase is an enzyme, typically derived from Kluyveromyces lactis yeast, that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose at a neutral pH (around 6.5–7). Primarily used in dairy production for lactose-free milk and yogurt, it improves digestibility and enhances sweetness, helping those with lactose intolerance manage symptoms like bloating.
Everything You Need to Know
What is neutral lactase?
Neutral lactase, derived from a common yeast, can work in the small intestine-the natural site of lactase activity-resulting in a large increase in the amount of time available for the lactase to digest lactose and help prevent symptoms.
Is there a downside to taking lactase?
Most people do not experience side effects from lactase supplements, but they may not always work to prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance. If they do not work for a particular individual, that person may still experience gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating.
Which is better, Lactaid or lactase?
Lactaid has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 38 ratings on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 50% reported a negative effect. Lactase has an average rating of 3.0 out of 10 from a total of 134 ratings on Drugs.com.
Has anyone reversed lactose intolerance?
Only populations with a long evolutionary history of dairy consumption developed lactase persistence, a genetic adaptation that keeps the enzyme active into adulthood. Because this enzyme deficiency is genetic or developmental, medical consensus has long held that lactose intolerance itself is not reversible.
Main Details:
Source: It is usually produced through the fermentation of Kluyveromyces lactis, a yeast used in food production.
Applications: It is ideal for neutral dairy products, such as milk, cream, and frozen desserts, due to its optimal functioning at a neutral pH.
Benefits in Dairy Production: Beyond improving digestibility, it breaks down lactose (a low-sweetness sugar) into glucose and galactose (which are 3–4 times sweeter), improving the flavor profile and potentially reducing the need for added sweeteners.
Comparison to Acid Lactase: Unlike neutral lactase, acid lactase (often from Aspergillus oryzae) operates at a lower pH and is more commonly used in digestive supplement pills.
New Formulations: Recent developments include enteric-coated pellets containing neutral lactase, which survive stomach acid and release directly into the small intestine, providing a more effective remedy for lactose intolerance.
Applications
When raw milk and skim milk powder and whey are used as raw materials:
(1)Milk beverages (plain, fruit- and coffee- and tea and green tea-flavored, etc.)
(2)Fermented milk (drinkable yogurt, hard type yogurt, lactic acid beverage and etc.)
(3)Ice cream
(4)Milk jam (condensed milk type)
(5)Whey drink (protein-reinforced)
ANALYTICAL RESULTS
| Test Item | Method / Ref. | Specification | Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | In-house ID / label claim | Acid Lactase (β-galactosidase) | Conforms | Pass |
| Appearance | Visual | Off-white to light yellow powder | Conforms | Pass |
| Enzyme Activity | In-house or AOAC assay | NLT 5,000 ACU/g | 5,350 ACU/g | Pass |
| pH (1% solution) | pH meter | 3.0 – 5.5 | 4.3 | Pass |
| Moisture | Gravimetric / USP 731 | ≤ 5.0% | 3.6% | Pass |
| Ash | Gravimetric / USP 281 | ≤ 5.0% | 4.1% | Pass |
| Protein Content | Kjeldahl Method | ≥ 50% | 52.3% | Pass |
| Total Plate Count | Plate Count | ≤ 10,000 CFU/g | 1,800 CFU/g | Pass |
| Yeast & Mold | Plate Count | ≤ 100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | Pass |
| Coliforms | Plate Count | ≤ 30 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | Pass |
| E. coli | Absence Test | Negative / 25g | Not Detected | Pass |
| Salmonella | Absence Test | Negative / 25g | Not Detected | Pass |
| Lead (Pb) | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | ≤ 5 mg/kg | 0.22 mg/kg | Pass |
| Arsenic (As) | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | ≤ 3 mg/kg | 0.12 mg/kg | Pass |
Production Process
