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20 September 2024
Lactase Chewable Tablets vs. Lactase Pills: What’s the Difference?

Managing lactose intolerance often involves using lactase supplements to help break down dairy products. These supplements are designed to aid those whose bodies don’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. With various options available, choosing the proper form to fit your needs is essential. Two common types are lactase chewable tablets and lactase pills.

At Milktab, we’re committed to helping you enjoy dairy without discomfort. Our lactase pills are packed with triple the amount of lactase enzyme, protease, and lipase to enhance digestion. They're compact, convenient, and slim enough to fit easily in your wallet. With Milktab, you can say goodbye to digestive troubles and savor your favorite dairy treats confidently.

Based on our research and expertise in creating powerful and effective lactase pills, we developed this guide to help you understand the differences between lactase chewable tablets and pills. We’ll cover how each form works, their benefits, and their potential drawbacks. In the end, you'll understand which option best suits your needs and lifestyle for managing lactose intolerance.

Let’s dive in!

The Basics of Lactase Supplements

Lactase supplements help break down lactose into simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, for those who are lactose intolerant. When there isn't enough lactase in the body, digesting dairy can be challenging and uncomfortable. Lactase supplements are available in two primary forms: lactase chewable tablets and pills.

Lactase Chewable Tablets

Lactase chewable tablets are easy to consume and come in a simple, dissolvable form. You chew them before eating dairy, which helps break down lactose quickly. Their structure allows for faster absorption compared to lactose pills, providing quick relief. 

Lactase chewable tablets are a convenient lactose intolerance medicine for on-the-go use as they do not require water. They are effective for quickly breaking down lactose in the small intestine, providing relief when consuming too much lactose.

Lactase Pills

Lactase pills are a medicine for lactose intolerance that comes in a swallowable form and are designed to be taken with water. Unlike lactase chewable tablets, they often have a slow-release mechanism. This helps break down a huge amount of lactose over an extended period, making them ideal for larger meals. 

The gradual release ensures continuous support during extended dairy consumption, especially when eating foods with high levels of lactose. Many people prefer lactose intolerance pills for big meals or occasions involving a larger amount of dairy, such as yogurt, hard cheeses, or ice cream. Lactaid pills provide reliable, long-lasting lactose digestion assistance.

How Lactase Supplements Work to Aid Digestion

Dairy digestive supplements like lactase chewable tablets replace the lactase enzyme your body lacks, helping you digest dairy products. Insufficient lactase can lead to difficulty breaking down lactose, resulting in bloating and discomfort. These supplements provide the enzymes needed to avoid these symptoms. Here’s how these supplements help break down lactose, preventing digestive discomfort:

  • Boosts Enzyme Levels: Lactase supplements add extra enzymes to your digestive system, enhancing the efficiency of lactose digestion.
  • Prevents Lactose Buildup: Aiding in the digestion of lactose, supplements help prevent gas and bloating caused by undigested lactose.
  • Improves Dairy Tolerance: Regular use of lactase supplements allows you to enjoy servings of dairy without issues, resulting in fewer post-meal digestive problems.
  • Quickens Digestion: Lactase chewable tablets work faster because they dissolve quickly. This means lactose is broken down sooner, reducing symptoms.
  • Support During Large Meals: Slow-release lactase pills work over time to help digest lactose during long meals, offering extended relief.

Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages

Both lactase chewable tablets and lactase pills offer different benefits for managing lactose intolerance by helping break down lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine. Each has unique features that cater to various needs and preferences. Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you choose the best option for your lifestyle.

Pros of Lactase Chewable Tablets

  • Portability: Chewable tablets are easy to carry in a pocket or bag, making them ideal for traveling or dining out.
  • Fast Onset: These tablets dissolve faster than pills, allowing the enzyme to start working quickly. This leads to quicker lactose digestion and symptom relief.
  • No Need for Water: You can take lactase chewable tablets anytime, anywhere, without a drink, adding to their convenience when you’re on the move.
  • Pleasant Taste: Many lactase chewable tablets come in flavors, making them more enjoyable and suitable for those who dislike swallowing pills.
  • Immediate Action: They start working quickly after being taken before a meal, providing fast, reliable relief from lactose intolerance.

Cons Associated with Lactase Chewable Tablets

  • Shorter Duration: Lactase chewable tablets act quickly but may not provide extended relief for long meals, necessitating multiple doses for larger meals.
  • Taste Preference: Although flavored, some users may not enjoy the taste of chewable tablets, making them less appealing for daily use.
  • Higher Cost: Lactase chewable tablets can sometimes be more expensive than pills, and frequent use may add up in cost over time.
  • Limited Options: Fewer brand and dosage options may be available in chewable form, limiting choice compared to lactase pills.
  • Not Ideal for Large Meals: Lactase chewable tablets might not last long enough for bigger meals with extended dairy intake, requiring additional doses to maintain effectiveness.

Advantages of Lactase Pills

  • Precise Dosage Control: Lactase pills offer exact amounts of the enzyme per dose, allowing for better management of lactose intake.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: Pills often feature a slow-release mechanism. This provides extended relief during meals with high lactose content, making them ideal for prolonged dairy consumption.
  • Variety of Options: There are many dairy relief pill formulations available. This allows for tailored dosing and flexibility in managing lactose intolerance.
  • Effective for Large Meals: Their extended-release formula helps with digestion over time, particularly for dairy-rich meals.
  • Reduced Frequency: With their prolonged action, fewer pills are needed per meal, simplifying your routine and reducing the number of doses.

Disadvantages of Lactase Pills

  • Slower Onset: Pills generally take longer to dissolve and start working, which may delay relief compared to faster-acting chewable tablets.
  • Larger Size: Lactase pills are often larger than chewable tablets, making them less convenient for some individuals to swallow.
  • Difficulty Swallowing: Some people may struggle with swallowing pills, which can be a significant drawback for those who prefer not to take tablets.
  • Need for Water: Daily lactose intolerance pills require water to be swallowed, which can be inconvenient for those on the go without a drink handy.
  • Delayed Digestion: The slow-release nature may not provide immediate relief, making pills less effective for quick action compared to chewable options.

Combining Lactase Chewable Tablets and Pills for Best Results

When it comes to managing lactose intolerance effectively, combining different types of lactase supplements can be beneficial. Depending on the circumstances, lactase chewable tablets and pills each have their own benefits and can help you maximize your lactose management strategy.

Situational Use: Chewable Tablets for Snacks and Pills for Meals

Lactase chewable tablets are often more practical for quick snacks or smaller portions of dairy. They dissolve rapidly, providing relief for unpleasant symptoms when needed. For larger meals, especially those with a high lactose content, lactase pills are usually a better choice. Their slow-release mechanism offers extended support throughout the meal. 

Taking the pills before eating ensures long-lasting relief. Combining both types can provide flexibility and tailored support based on your needs, effectively managing lactose intolerance in various situations.

Tailoring Your Choice to Lifestyle and Dietary Needs

Choosing the right lactase supplement depends on your lifestyle and dietary habits. Lactase chewable tablets offer convenience and fast relief for common symptoms, while pills provide longer-lasting support. Your choice should align with your daily routine and dietary needs. Consider these key factors when picking the form of lactase supplement based on personal preferences and typical eating habits:

  • Frequency of Dairy Consumption: If you consume dairy frequently, pills might be more suitable due to their prolonged effect. For occasional dairy intake, lactase chewable tablets offer quick, on-the-go relief.
  • Meal Size: Slow-release pills can support larger meals with high lactose content. Chewable tablets may not last as long, so pills are better for bigger meals.
  • Portability: Lactase chewable tablets are more accessible to carry and take without water. If you're often on the move, they might be more convenient.
  • Taste Preferences: If you prefer not to deal with the taste of chewable tablets, pills might be a better option. Pills have a neutral flavor and don’t require chewing.
  • Ease of Use: Lactase chewable tablets could be more comfortable if you find it challenging to swallow pills. They can be taken without water and are more accessible for some people to use.

Tracking Personal Reactions to Lactase Supplements

Monitoring how your body responds to lactase products is crucial for finding the most effective option. Different people may have varying reactions based on their specific needs and habits. Paying attention to how you feel after taking lactase chewable tablets or pills helps ensure you get the best results. Follow these steps to track personal reactions to lactase supplements:

  • Keep a Food and Supplement Diary: Write down the milk products you eat, the lactase supplement you use, and when you take it. This helps correlate symptoms with specific supplements.
  • Record Symptom Severity: Note any lactose intolerance symptoms you experience, such as bloating or discomfort. This will help you assess the effectiveness of each supplement in alleviating these issues.
  • Monitor Timing of Relief: Pay attention to how quickly you feel relief after taking the supplement. Faster relief may indicate that a particular form works better for you.
  • Assess Duration of Effectiveness: Track how long the relief lasts. Some supplements may provide longer-lasting results, which can be crucial for managing larger meals.
  • Check for Side Effects: Be aware of any adverse effects or discomfort, such as stomach cramps, after taking the supplements. This information can help you select the most suitable option.
  • Adjust and Compare: If one type is ineffective, try the other or adjust the dosage. Comparing your experiences with each form will guide you in making the best choice for managing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Key Takeaway 

Choosing between lactase chewable tablets and lactase pills can significantly impact how you manage lactose intolerance. Both forms offer unique benefits and potential drawbacks depending on your needs and lifestyle. Chewable tablets provide quick relief and convenience for on-the-go situations. At the same time, pills offer longer-lasting support for larger meals. 

Understanding these differences allows you to select the best lactose intolerance pills that best fit your dietary habits and preferences. Remember to consider factors like ease of use, duration of relief, and convenience. Monitoring your body's response to each type will also help you make an informed choice. 

Do you prefer the extended benefits of lactase pills in managing your lactose intolerance? Milktab offers supercharged lactase pills with triple lactase enzyme (27,000 FCC units) and two additional enzymes, protease and lipase, to support digestion. Contact us at contact@milktab.co to learn more or place an order. Experience the difference and enjoy your dairy delights without discomfort!