Laktaasientsyymi

Laktaasientsyymi, also known as lactase, is an enzyme produced in the small intestine of mammals. Its primary function is to break down lactose, a sugar commonly found in milk and dairy products. Lactose is a disaccharide, meaning it is composed of two simpler sugar units, glucose and galactose. Lactase catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose, cleaving it into these two monosaccharides, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The production of lactase is typically high in infants and young mammals, enabling them to digest their mother's milk. In many human populations, lactase production significantly decreases after weaning, a phenomenon known as lactase non-persistence. This decline in enzyme activity can lead to lactose intolerance, where individuals experience digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming lactose-containing foods.

Individuals with lactase deficiency can manage their symptoms by reducing their intake of lactose or by using lactase enzyme supplements. These supplements, often available in pill or liquid form, provide the necessary enzyme to digest lactose externally, allowing for more comfortable consumption of dairy products. The enzyme itself is a beta-galactosidase.