FODZYME vs Lactaid: Which Digestive Enzyme Is Best for You

If you're experiencing digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, digestive enzyme supplements can help. FODZYME and Lactaid are two popular enzyme supplements, but they differ in which food components they break down. While Lactaid contains only lactase, FODZYME includes two additional digestive enzymes (fructan hydrolase and alpha-galactosidase) to help break down other FODMAPs.

This article provides a clear comparison of FODZYME and Lactaid to help you decide which enzyme supplement is best for you.

What is FODZYME?

FODZYME is a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme powder that is the go-to solution for digestive distress related to fermentable carbohydrates called FODMAPs. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. These carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and instead get fermented by your gut bacteria. This produces gas and may also draw water into the colon. For some people, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this can cause symptoms like gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements.

FODZYME's unique enzyme blend is designed to break down three FODMAP categories: 

• Fructan hydrolase: Breaks down the fructans found in certain foods like wheat, onion, garlic, and some nuts

• Alpha-galactosidase: Breaks down the galactans or galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) found in legumes like black beans and kidney beans, and cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts

• Lactase: Breaks down the lactose found in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses

The digestive enzymes in FODZYME break down FODMAPs before they reach the colon. This makes them a good option for people with a FODMAP intolerance who don't want to be restricted to a low FODMAP diet long-term.

FODZYME Pros

There are several benefits to using FODZYME, including:

• Powder form: FODZYME's convenient powder form makes it easy to add to food or drinks. The digestive enzymes mix directly with the food, which ensures they effectively break down most of the FODMAPs before they reach your colon

• Improved digestive comfort: FODZYME can help reduce bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort associated with FODMAP intolerance

• Multi-FODMAP coverage: FODZYME contains three digestive enzymes, making it an excellent choice for people with multiple FODMAP sensitivities who may otherwise be avoiding many foods as part of a low FODMAP diet to manage their digestive symptoms

• Third-party tested: FODZYME is third-party tested for quality and safety, so you can be sure that you're getting exactly what is listed on the label

• Certified low FODMAP: FODZYME is certified low FODMAP by Monash University, meaning it shouldn't trigger digestive issues in people with a FODMAP sensitivity

FODZYME Cons

While FODZYME's enzyme blend can be a good choice for many people with digestive issues, using powdered digestive enzymes that must be sprinkled directly on food may take some getting used to. Still, a powder form maximizes its food-enzyme contact and therefore is key to its efficacy at FODMAP breakdown – so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with using the powder!

Additionally, there may be a learning curve in determining your personal FODMAP thresholds and triggers. Working with a healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian, can make determining your triggers much easier. An experienced provider can also help you prevent nutrient deficiencies if you're avoiding some high FODMAP foods or other triggers.

What is Lactaid?

Lactaid is a single-enzyme supplement that contains the lactase needed to break down lactose found in milk and dairy products. It is available in chewable or capsule form and is sold at many grocery stores and pharmacies.

Unlike FODZYME, Lactaid only helps with lactose, not other FODMAPs.

Lactaid Pros

Lactaid is effective for managing lactose intolerance, a common digestive condition where the body does not produce enough of the lactase enzyme. Lactaid's pre-dosed chewable tablets and capsules containing lactase are easy to use and widely available. This makes it a good choice for people who don't want to go entirely dairy-free to manage their digestive symptoms.

Lactaid Cons

It's important to note that Lactaid only helps with lactose, not with other FODMAPs such as fructans and galactans/GOS. For those with an intolerance to multiple different FODMAPs, using Lactaid with meals containing multiple FODMAPs could still result in symptoms like bloating, gas, and stomach pain.

Additionally, chewable Lactaid may contain other FODMAPs (specifically, polyols like mannitol). If you have an intolerance to polyols, Lactaid could trigger symptoms. 

FODZYME vs. Lactaid Comparison Breakdown

Overall, FODZYME is a better option for those with multiple FODMAP sensitivities, while Lactaid is a good choice for people with lactose intolerance. 

Who Should Take Which Supplement

Not sure which enzyme supplement to take? Here are some tips:

Take FODZYME if:

• You experience gas, bloating, or digestive issues from foods beyond dairy (i.e., multiple different FODMAP groups)

• You want to support long-term gut health by eating a wide variety of FODMAP-containing foods

• You want to enjoy meals containing multiple different FODMAPs and don’t want to worry about FODMAP restriction

Take Lactaid if: 

• You have confirmed lactose intolerance

• You're not sensitive to galactans/GOS or fructans

• You're eating meals that only contain dairy, not other FODMAP triggers (if you have them)

FODZYME is the best choice if you're intolerant to several different FODMAPs, while Lactaid is a good choice if you're only intolerant to lactose. 

FODZYME vs. Lactaid FAQ

Can FODZYME replace Lactaid?

If you have trouble digesting multiple different FODMAPs, including lactose, FODZYME can replace Lactaid. 

Are there any side effects for either supplement?

Both Lactaid and FODZYME are generally considered safe. Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas and bloating, as they reintroduce trigger foods and learn how enzymes improve their tolerance to various FODMAP portions.

Do I need a prescription?

No, you do not need a prescription for FODZYME or Lactaid. FODZYME is available online, while Lactaid is typically available at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

Which is more convenient?

Both Lactaid and FODZYME are convenient options. Lactaid is widely available and is a convenient option if you're only sensitive to lactose. On the other hand, FODZYME is a convenient option if you're intolerant to multiple FODMAP categories (specifically, lactose, galactans/GOS, and fructans).

When should I take the supplement?

For best results, take digestive enzymes immediately before eating lactose-containing foods (for Lactaid) or sprinkle them directly onto your food (for FODZYME). It's important to take the digestive enzyme supplements before eating so that the problematic food components are broken down before they reach your large intestine.

Getting Started With the Right Supplement for You 

Before starting a new supplement, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider about your digestive problems to ensure they're not related to a more serious problem, like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or colorectal cancer. Once those conditions have been ruled out, digestive enzymes may be a good next step to support comfortable digestion and improve quality of life.

If you need help handling bloating related to dairy products, consider taking Lactaid before lactose-containing meals to help manage digestive symptoms associated with lactose malabsorption. 

If you're intolerant to multiple FODMAPs and want to expand your dietary choices, FODZYME could be a better option, as it contains three digestive enzymes (lactase, fructan hydrolase, and alpha-galactosidase). FODZYME is also a convenient option for meals that include multiple FODMAP types, such as fettuccine Alfredo or pizza.

Looking to reduce digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort? Try FODZYME today!