<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
Hi,
 
Following up on the lactase enzyme discussion last week, I have some
information that may be useful to those looking for an alternative brand or
a less expensive one.
 
Yesterday I received a catalog from Nutrition Headquarters, the company I
use for vitamin and mineral supplements.  They are fast, inexpensive and
have so far given me what appears to be good information on the gluten
status of their products.  But, as usual if you want to use them call and
confirm the information for yourself and check each individual item for
gluten.  Sometimes we do get different answers.  On page 29 of their catalog
are two lactase enzyme products.
 
From the catalog and Tim in customer service, I found out the following:
 
LACTASE ENZYME SOFTGELS contain 12mg.  of pure lactase enzyme.  Item #
22458.  Cost:  100 softgels $6.99, 300 softgels $16.95.  They suggest taking
1-3 just before eating products containing lactase.  They also suggest you
can empty the contents of the capsule into milk which will then be safe to
drink in 24 hours.
 
MILK TABS contain no Milk Bi-products, sugar, salt, starch, preservatives,
artificial colors or flavors.  I do not know how much lactase is included.
Item #23758.  Cost:90 tabs $5.00, 180 tabs $8.50.  They suggest taking 2
before a meal.
 
ACCORDING TO TIM IN CUSTOMER SERVICE THESE ARE BOTH GLUTEN FREE.
 
The customer service number for Nutrition Headquarters is: 1-800-851-3551.
Another number is (618)457-8100 and the fax number is (618) 529-4553.
 
I have no idea how these compare with the other products as far as being
effective.  I called a well known brand which measures their product in FCC
Lactase units/caplet, but is not guaranteed gluten free.  I told customer
service I was trying to compare brands and therefore needed to know the
number of mg.  of lactase in their product.  The answer was informative but
delivered in a very snooty way.  They only measure the effective lactase so
if I want to compare brands I should call the competitors and ask them about
the effective units per caplet.  And, no they did not know how many mg.  of
enzyme are in their product!
 
I have not yet tried these items so have no details about how well they
work.  Is there anyone out there who has tried them and can tell us if they
are effective and confirm they have had no reaction?
 
Pauline