People with a lactose intolerance are able to take products such as Lactaid that contain the lactase enzyme with their meals. These products can be taken in pill form. Considering the fact that the pill form of the enzyme would have to travel through the person's stomach, what special consideration would the producer of this product need to be concerned about?
The effect of low pH on the enzyeme.
The producer of lactase enzyme products, such as Lactaid, would need to consider the fact that the pill form of the enzyme has to pass through the person's stomach, which is an acidic and digestive environment. To ensure the effectiveness of the product, the producer would need to take certain special considerations:
1. The pH stability: The producer should ensure that the lactase enzyme remains stable and active in the acidic pH of the stomach. This would require formulating the pill with ingredients that protect the enzyme from degradation and denaturation in an acidic environment.
2. Enteric coating: To protect the enzyme from the stomach's acidity, the manufacturer may choose to encapsulate the pill with an enteric coating. This coating is designed to remain intact in the stomach but dissolve in the more neutral or alkaline environment of the small intestine. This way, the pill can reach the intestine where the lactase enzyme is needed to break down lactose.
3. Proper dosage: The producer needs to determine the appropriate dosage of the lactase enzyme in each pill to ensure it effectively breaks down lactose in the person's digestive system. This would involve considering the concentration of lactase and the individual's level of lactose intolerance to ensure optimal effectiveness.
4. Quality control: To ensure the product's consistency and reliability, the producer needs to establish strict quality control measures. This would involve rigorous testing of the enzyme's activity and stability throughout the manufacturing process to guarantee a reliable and effective product.
By addressing these special considerations, the producer can create a lactase enzyme pill that is capable of surviving the stomach's acidic environment and effectively aiding digestion for individuals with lactose intolerance.