Lactose Intolerance

As someone who has been lactose intolerant since a very early age, I've become pretty reliant on Lactaid (I simply refuse to give up cheese!). Having not found an over the counter equivalent in the UK as of yet, I've been purchasing Lactaid online, but it's not the cheapest method.

The NHS page simple says that lactase enzymes exist and are available in health shops and I asked a pharmacist about it but she didn't seem to have a clue. Surely there's something in the UK that is similar to Lactaid?

you can certainly buy lactase enzymes here, although I wouldn't look for it in a pharmacy.  But Holland and Barretts or similar will have it.  I also highly recommend Lactofree milk, and their cheese too if you can get it!

There appears to be a company selling Lactaid products in the UK

http://www.lactaid.co.uk/

Other brands and info

http://www.cookfree.org/Lactase&%20Milk%20Products.htm

You can get acidophilus pills in health food stores.  They would be located with the vitamins/supplements.

Lactaid is just a brand name, which is probably why pharmacists don't know what you are talking about.

Thanks for all the help, everyone!

you can certainly buy lactase enzymes here, although I wouldn't look for it in a pharmacy.  But Holland and Barretts or similar will have it.   I also highly recommend Lactofree milk, and their cheese too if you can get it!

Many thanks! I'll have a look in Holland and Barretts soon. Lactofree milk cheese sounds like it would be amazing. Where do you typically find it?

There appears to be a company selling Lactaid products in the UK

http://www.lactaid.co.uk/

That's where I've been buying mine from, but I was hoping to find a cheaper alternative. I can at least say that they're great about shipping.

Lactaid is just a brand name, which is probably why pharmacists don't know what you are talking about.

I had asked them about lactase enzymes to help with the digestion of dairy products. But it was in Tesco and in Southwark, so perhaps that was the problem? lol

Boots or an NHS hospital pharmacy might be a better sources of information.

Lactofree has variety of products, BIL is lactose intolerant and has just started having them.

I tried the Lactofree products when I first arrived in the UK-they taste great, but, still had the same effects on me as regular milk does.    So, I just use soya products(milk, cheese, etc). The pills from Holland and Barrett are good-pricey, but, good. I keep a bottle in my bag, take some when I know I'm gonna have a meal out in town centre or something, and I'm set.

The pills from Holland and Barrett are good-pricey, but, good.

I found some on their website for £6.74 called 'Super Lactase Enzyme Capsules' - are those the ones you use?

I just use generic acidophilus pills by Solgar. I get them at a local  health food shop.

I just use generic acidophilus pills by Solgar. I get them at a local  health food shop.

I'll look into those as well! Many thanks!