The effect of oral supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri or tilactase in lactose intolerant patients: randomized trial
Ojetti V, et al
Published in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
Methodology
Randomised three-arm trial in lactose intolerant patients; tilactase, Lactobacillus reuteri twice daily for 10 days, or placebo; hydrogen lactose breath test normalisation, mean peak hydrogen excretion and clinical symptom score.
Key Findings
60 lactose intolerant patients were randomised to three groups of 20: tilactase 15 minutes before a lactose breath test, placebo, or Lactobacillus reuteri twice daily for 10 days before the test. Breath test normalisation rates were significantly higher with both tilactase and L. reuteri than placebo, and tilactase was significantly better than L. reuteri (p < 0.01). Both active treatments significantly reduced mean peak hydrogen excretion and improved the mean clinical symptom score versus placebo (p < 0.0001), with tilactase again superior to the probiotic.
Conclusions
Tilactase strongly improves both LBT results and gastrointestinal symptoms after lactose ingestion with respect to placebo. Lactobacillus reuteri also is effective but lesser than tilactase.
Limitations
Only 20 patients per arm, very short exposure (a single dose of enzyme or 10 days of probiotic), and outcomes based on a single breath test rather than everyday symptom control.
Supplements Studied
Tilactase strongly improves both LBT results and gastrointestinal symptoms after lactose ingestion with respect to placebo.
Tilactase strongly improves both LBT results and gastrointestinal symptoms after lactose ingestion with respect to placebo. Lactobacillus reuteri also is effective but lesser than tilactase.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.