Inventors:
Bruce J. Langner - West Long Branch NJ
International Classification:
C12N 1100, C12N 924, C12N 104, A61K 3847
Abstract:
A lactase-containing preparation is prepared for use by mammals having a lactase deficiency. A dried bacterial culture containing lactase is mixed with a desiccant such as silicon oxide to stabilize water content of the dried culture. A unit dosage of the resultant stabilized dried bacterial culture is encapsulated in an ingestible capsule such as gelatin capsule. The capsule is coated with an enteric polymer, and the coated capsule is treated under vacuum pressure to remove oxygen and moisture. The treated coated capsule has an extended shelf-life at room and elevated temperatures, and provides lactase activity for at least 10 hours after ingestion. The dried bacterial culture may be in freeze dried form. Suitable bacterial cultures are Lactobacillus acidophillus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.