Want your lactase enzymes to stay effective? Store them right.
Improper storage can ruin lactase enzymes, making them useless for managing lactose intolerance. Here’s what you need to know:
- Temperature: Keep them refrigerated at 4-6°C (39-43°F). Avoid heat above 55°C (131°F).
- Moisture: Use airtight containers and add food-grade desiccants to prevent enzyme breakdown.
- Light: Store in a dark place to avoid UV damage.
Follow these simple tips to ensure your lactase supplements remain potent and help you digest dairy without issues.
Lactase Enzymes and Storage Requirements
What Are Lactase Enzymes?
Lactase enzymes are proteins that help break down lactose, the sugar found in milk, into simpler sugars like glucose and galactose, making them easier to digest [1][3]. These enzymes play a key role in managing lactose intolerance but are sensitive to their surroundings, requiring careful storage to stay effective [2].
Factors That Impact Enzyme Stability
Several environmental factors can affect how well lactase enzymes work and how long they last:
- Temperature: Lactase enzymes are very sensitive to heat. Storing them in a refrigerator (2-6°C) is ideal to keep them effective [4].
- Humidity: Exposure to moisture can cause the enzymes to break down prematurely. To avoid this, they should be kept in airtight containers [4].
- Light: Bright light or direct sunlight can damage the enzymes. Storing them in a dark place helps preserve their activity [2].
These factors together influence how long lactase enzymes remain effective. Proper storage conditions include:
- Refrigeration (2-6°C)
- A dry, moisture-free environment
- Protection from light
- Airtight packaging
Best Storage Practices
Storing lactase enzymes properly requires attention to three key factors: temperature, moisture, and packaging. These elements work together to preserve the enzyme's stability and effectiveness over time.
Temperature Guidelines
Keeping the temperature steady between 4-6°C (39-43°F) is crucial for preventing enzyme degradation and ensuring stability [4]. While refrigeration is necessary, avoid temperature shifts, as they can reduce enzyme effectiveness. High temperatures, particularly above 60°C (140°F), can quickly inactivate the enzymes [2]. To avoid this, store containers away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and areas prone to temperature changes.
Moisture Protection
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to enzyme stability. Excess moisture can lead to chemical breakdown, structural damage, or contamination. To keep the storage environment dry:
- Use well-ventilated storage areas
- Add food-grade desiccant packets to containers
- Ensure the environment remains consistently dry
Packaging and Light Protection
The right packaging is essential for maintaining enzyme quality. Opt for containers that are:
- Airtight to block moisture
- Resistant to moisture penetration
- Opaque or amber-colored to shield against harmful light
Many commercial enzyme packages are designed with these features, combining moisture barriers and light-blocking materials. To further protect enzymes, store containers away from direct sunlight and heat-producing appliances.
Storage Duration and Expiration
Expected Storage Life
Storing lactase supplements properly is crucial to keeping them effective. Most lactase products can last up to 2 years if stored under the right conditions. Be sure to check the expiration date and watch for any signs of deterioration, like changes in appearance or smell [4]. Keep in mind that even short exposure to high temperatures can reduce enzyme activity [2].
Tips to Extend Storage Life
To ensure your lactase supplements remain potent, follow these storage tips:
Key Storage Practices
- Keep supplements refrigerated at 4-6°C and avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Store them in their original, sealed packaging with lids tightly closed.
- Use airtight containers or humidity-controlled spaces for extra protection.
- Keep supplements in cool, dry areas, away from heat and moisture.
- Add food-grade desiccants to absorb excess moisture.
Travel and On-the-Go Storage
- Avoid leaving supplements in hot places like cars or near windows.
- Opt for products with sturdy, travel-friendly packaging.
For peace of mind, choose third-party-tested supplements, as they come with reliable storage instructions and stability data. While proper storage helps maintain effectiveness until the expiration date, replace any product if you notice unusual changes, even if it hasn’t expired.
If you need options that handle challenging environments better, look for supplements specifically designed with durable packaging and added stability.
milktab's Storage Features
Product Design and Packaging
milktab lactase supplements are carefully crafted to keep the enzymes stable and effective. The packaging is compact and sturdy, offering strong protection against factors like moisture, light, and air that can weaken the enzyme. It features moisture-resistant barriers, materials that block light, and airtight seals to shield the supplements from humidity, UV rays, and oxidation.
In addition to the packaging, milktab maintains enzyme stability through strict quality standards and a carefully developed formula. This ensures that users can rely on the supplements even when storage conditions are less than perfect.
milktab's Key Features
milktab supplements are built to last, thanks to their advanced packaging and strict quality testing. Independent labs verify their potency and ability to withstand storage challenges. The compact design not only protects the supplements but also minimizes exposure to harmful elements during use. These qualities make milktab a dependable choice for anyone needing lactase supplementation, whether at home or on the go.
Summary: Storage Best Practices
Storing lactase enzymes correctly is key to keeping them effective. The ideal temperature range is 4-6°C (39-43°F) for long-term stability, though they can handle temperatures up to 30°C (86°F) for short periods without major loss of activity [4]. Factors like temperature, light, and moisture play a big role in enzyme stability. By controlling these, you can ensure enzymes remain effective over time [2].
Here’s a quick guide to follow for proper storage:
| Storage Factor | Recommended Condition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 4-6°C (39-43°F) | Keeps enzymes stable |
| Light Exposure | Store in the dark | Prevents light damage |
| Moisture | Use airtight containers | Avoids enzyme breakdown |
| Environmental Control | Stable conditions | Extends shelf life |
Exposure to high temperatures can quickly deactivate enzymes - complete activity loss happens at 55°C [2]. On the other hand, keeping enzymes in cool conditions can preserve their activity for months, as seen in similar lactase products [5].
To maintain enzyme effectiveness, control the storage environment carefully, pay attention to expiration dates, and handle supplements with care.