lactase

The lactase enzyme is the enzyme involved in the digestion of lactose. Lactase is normally produced in the small intestine of our body. When the lactase enzyme is insufficiently present in the small intestine, or for example completely absent, we speak of lactose intolerance. This can have various causes.

The lactase enzyme is responsible for breaking down and digesting lactose. When lactose enters the small intestine via our diet, lactase cleaves it to glucose and galactose. Glucose and galactose can then be absorbed by the intestinal wall.