Secondary Lactase Deficiency After Antibiotics: How to Support Gut Function

After a course of antibiotics, many people notice digestive changes — bloating, heaviness, or discomfort after consuming dairy products.
One of the common reasons for this is secondary lactase deficiency — a temporary decrease in the activity of the lactase enzyme.

This article explains how antibiotics affect digestion, why probiotics don’t always solve the problem, and how MAMALAC by Vorwarts Pharma can help maintain comfort after antibiotic therapy.

How Antibiotics Affect Lactase Production

During antibiotic therapy, not only harmful bacteria are destroyed but also part of the beneficial microorganisms that maintain balance in the intestines.
This disrupts the function of the small intestine, where the enzyme lactase is produced — the enzyme responsible for breaking down milk sugar (lactose).

Due to a lack of lactase, part of the lactose remains undigested, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and frequent bowel movements.
This is how secondary lactase deficiency develops — a condition that may persist for some time after the antibiotic course.

Why Probiotics Don’t Always Solve the Problem

Probiotics help restore the microbiota of the large intestine, while lactase deficiency occurs in the small intestine.
Therefore, even with regular probiotic use, symptoms of lactose intolerance may persist until enzymatic activity in the small intestine is restored.

Without enough lactase, part of the lactose passes into the large intestine, where it ferments and causes gas formation.

How MAMALAC Supports Digestion in Lactase Deficiency

MAMALAC is a dietary supplement from the European company Vorwarts Pharma that contains the lactase enzyme.
It helps break down lactose into simple sugars — glucose and galactose, making dairy products easier to digest.

MAMALAC helps prevent heaviness after consuming dairy products and supports comfortable digestion in both adults and children.

Benefits of MAMALAC

• Helps reduce fermentation and gas formation
• Alleviates intestinal discomfort
• Supports regular bowel movements
• Promotes healthy intestinal microbiota
• Ensures lactose breakdown during digestion

Learn more on the MAMALAC Capsules product page.

How to Restore Digestion After a Course of Antibiotics

To support natural intestinal function after antibiotics, recovery should be gradual:

1. Balance your diet.
   Limit high-lactose dairy products. Choose lactose-free options or those with probiotic cultures.
2. Include fiber.
   Fiber supports the natural microbiota and helps normalize bowel function.
3. Use enzyme-based dietary supplements.
   Take MAMALAC before or during dairy consumption to help lactose break down naturally.
4. Stay hydrated and manage stress.
   Proper hydration and stress reduction help the body return to normal function more smoothly.

FAQ — Common Questions

1. What is secondary lactase deficiency?
   It’s a temporary reduction in lactase enzyme activity in the small intestine, often caused by antibiotics.
2. What’s the difference between primary and secondary forms?
   Primary deficiency is congenital, while secondary is acquired and usually disappears once intestinal function recovers.
3. Do probiotics help with lactose intolerance?
   Probiotics support intestinal microbiota but don’t directly affect lactase enzyme production.
4. When should MAMALAC be taken?
   Before or during the consumption of dairy products — to aid their digestion.

Secondary lactase deficiency after antibiotics is common but temporary. It can be managed through proper nutrition and enzyme-based dietary supplements.

MAMALAC by Vorwarts Pharma is a convenient solution for those who want to maintain comfortable digestion and regain lightness after consuming dairy.

👉 Learn more about Vorwarts Pharma products — explore the full range of dietary supplements.