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Probiotics vs. Lactase Enzymes: FAQ

Two approaches, explained

Probiotics vs. Lactase Enzymes: FAQ

Lactase pills and a daily probiotic both aim to make dairy easier, but they work differently and you take them differently. Here's a side-by-side look, with sources.

At a glance

Lactase enzyme pill Holy Cow! (probiotic + prebiotic)
What it is Supplies the lactase enzyme [1] 16B CFU probiotic blend + XOS + D-ribose [6]
When you take it With your first bite or sip of dairy, each time [2] Once daily, in the morning
How often Every dairy meal, and again if the meal runs long [2] One capsule a day

FAQ

What does a lactase enzyme pill do?

It supplies lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, so it can help digest the lactose in the dairy you're eating. NIDDK lists lactase products as one way to help digest the lactose in milk and milk products. [1]

When do you take a lactase pill?

With dairy, each time. Lactaid's directions for its Fast Act caplets say to take them with your first bite or sip of dairy, and to take another if the meal lasts more than 30–45 minutes. [2] Follow your product's label.

Does a higher-unit lactase pill do more?

Up to a point. In one study, about 6,000 units reduced breath hydrogen more than about 3,000 units with 20 g of lactose, but neither dose made a significant difference with 50 g. [3] Response also varies from person to person. [4] More in Do I Need a Stronger Lactase Pill?.

How is a probiotic approach different?

Instead of supplying the enzyme at a meal, probiotics work with the bacteria in your gut. A peer-reviewed review lists lactase replacement and colon microbiome adaptation, using specific probiotic strains with β-galactosidase activity, as separate approaches to managing lactose intolerance. [5]

When do you take Holy Cow!?

Once daily in the morning, ideally on an empty stomach, with water. It isn't timed to meals. Each capsule has a 16 billion CFU probiotic blend, including B. adolescentis, with XOS and D-ribose. [6]

Can I use both?

Yes. We recommend keeping your regular lactase routine for the first 21 days of taking Holy Cow!, and continued daily use for best results.

When do people tend to use each?

Lactase pills fit a specific dairy meal you're planning for. A daily probiotic + prebiotic is an everyday routine designed to support lactose digestion.* Many people use both.

Is lactose intolerance common?

About 65% of people have a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. [7]

Is either one for milk allergy?

No. Milk allergy is an immune reaction, not a digestion issue. See lactose intolerance vs. milk allergy.

See also: How Much Lactose Is In That? and The Dairy Survival Guide.

What the research found

65% lower combined daily symptom scores with the studied strain versus placebo over two weeks.*

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 21 lactose maldigesters (Ramakrishnan et al., 2025). [8] The study tested the strain, not the finished Holy Cow! product.

One capsule a day to support lactose digestion*

Holy Cow! is a once-daily probiotic + prebiotic. Take once daily in the morning, ideally on an empty stomach, with water. Keep your regular lactase routine for the first 21 days. We recommend continued daily use for best results.

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Sources

  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Eating, diet, & nutrition for lactose intolerance. niddk.nih.gov
  2. Lactaid. LACTAID® Fast Act Caplets: directions and product information. lactaid.com
  3. Lin MY, et al. Comparative effects of exogenous lactase (beta-galactosidase) preparations on in vivo lactose digestion. Dig Dis Sci. 1993;38(11):2022–2027. PMID 8223076
  4. Ibba I, et al. Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:680196. PMC4055537
  5. Facioni MS, Raspini B, Pivari F, Dogliotti E, Cena H. Nutritional management of lactose intolerance: the importance of diet and food labelling. J Transl Med. 2020;18:260. PMC7318541
  6. Holy Cow! The science behind Holy Cow! getholycow.com/pages/science
  7. MedlinePlus Genetics. Lactose intolerance. U.S. National Library of Medicine. medlineplus.gov
  8. Ramakrishnan M, et al. Gut Microbes Reports. 2025. doi:10.1080/29933935.2025.2508199. PMC12940102

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy; if you have a milk allergy, talk to your doctor. Lactaid® is a registered trademark of its owner. Holy Cow! is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Lactaid or its owner.