Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about lactose intolerance and lactase tablets

We’re happy to answer all your questions about lactose intolerance and the use of our lactase tablets. That’s why we’ve produced this page with answers to Frequently asked questions about lactose, lactose intolerance and Kerutabs.

About lactose intolerance

If you’re concerned that you may be lactose intolerant and want to know about intolerance tests, take a look at the lactose intolerance test page. This page explains the various tests that diagnose lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is often confused with cow’s milk allergy. To clarify the difference, all important information is explained on our special page about cow’s milk allergy.

Which products contain lactose?

If you’re wondering which products contain lactose, visit the “which products contain lactose” page. This page provides more information about the specific products that contain lactose.

If you’d like to know more about sticking to a lactose-free diet, visit our lactose intolerance diet page, where you can read more about the products you can and cannot eat when you’re on a lactose-free diet.

Today lactose-free products are available almost everywhere. If you want to know which specific products are lactose-free, our lactose-free products page provides more information about lactose-free food, such as lactose-free cheese or yoghurt.

Yoghurt and other soured milk products contain bacteria that produce the enzyme lactase. This means that part of the lactose in the yoghurt has already been ‘digested’ and the lactose level is somewhat lower than milk. Soured milk products contain less lactose.

No. Dutch hard cheese does not contain lactose, so you can eat this if you suffer from lactose intolerance.

Many manufacturers use milk, milk powder or milk solids in their products. Lactose that ends up in a product in this way is called ‘hidden lactose’. This is stated on the ingredient list on the packaging, often referred to as whey powder or dried milk solids. Products containing hidden lactose include ready-made soups and sauces.

About Kerutabs

The Kerutabs packaging includes information about dosage and use. If you would like to read more background information about using Kerutabs, you can find this on this website, or you can download the brochure, which is available online. The Kerutabs information brochure provides more information about lactase tablets, dosage and use, and also includes a handy schedule in which you can make a note of how many tablets you usually use for various foods. The Kerutabs information brochure is currently available in French and Dutch.

Kerutabs can be used for all lactose-containing products, including: buttermilk, yoghurt drinks, fruit dairy drinks and other soured dairy products; custard, pudding, quark, kefir, mousse, bavarois; milkshake, ice cream made with milk or cream, cream, whipped cream, soured cream and crème fraîche, goat and sheep cheese, processed cheese, cheese spread, cottage cheese, hüttenkäse; creamy soups and sauces; chocolate, biscuits, cakes and pastries.

The lactase in the tablets is broken down in the intestines and is therefore only effective for a certain period. If you eat or drink products containing lactose at different times, you will need to take lactase tablets each time.

It is best if the products containing lactose and the Kerutabs arrive in intestines at the same time, so it’s best to take Kerutabs just before or during the meal.

As the amount of lactose that is consumed per meal can vary strongly and the level of lactose intolerance per person can change, no generally applicable advice can be offered. It’s best to use personal experience to determine the number of tablets to take. This can vary from 1 to multiple (up to 3) tablets for a meal or product that contains lactose.

There is no age limit on the use of Kerutabs. Kerutabs can be taken by children who are diagnosed with lactose intolerance and can take the tablets themselves. If necessary, children can chew the tablet in their mouths before swallowing.

In principle no. Kerutabs contain the natural enzyme lactase and can be used regularly.

No. The excess lactase will be broken down in the intestines.

If you have galactosaemia you cannot take Kerutabs because the lactose is converted into galactose. Also, if you have diabetes, you should consult your GP before using Kerutabs.

Yes. As far as is known, Kerutabs can be used during pregnancy.

Kerutabs does not enter the breastmilk. But you should take into account that your breastmilk itself also contains lactose. If you or your partner were lactose intolerant from birth, it could be that your baby has inherited this intolerance.

Yes, no interactions are known with medicines and such interactions are also not expected, based on the active ingredients in Kerutabs.

Enjoy milk and milk products again!

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