Comparison of the Effectiveness of Oral Lactase Enzyme and Lactose Free Formula

Although it is well understood that oral lactase enzyme can play a pivotal role in hastening recovery due to secondary lactose intolerance in persistent diarrhea, there is limited local data available in this regard. If exogenous oral lactase enzyme is found to be more effective, it would help children receive uninterrupted milk and milk-based diet during the diarrheal episode, as the former would aid digestion and absorption of lactose, thus providing the necessary nutrients especially (calcium) and vitamins so vital in this period of rapid growth.