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If dairy, sweets, or carbs leave your stomach in knots, it might not be just “sensitivity”—you could have a disaccharidase deficiency. That’s a fancy way of saying your gut doesn’t make enough of the enzymes needed to break down certain sugars. The result? Gas, bloating, diarrhea, and mystery gut drama.
Let’s break it down: what these enzymes do, what happens when they’re low, and how you can feel better with the right foods and supplements.
What Are Disaccharidases?
Disaccharidases are digestive enzymes in the small intestine that break down disaccharides—sugars made of two molecules—into simpler sugars your body can absorb.
The three big ones:
- Lactase (breaks down lactose in dairy)
- Sucrase (breaks down sucrose—aka table sugar)
- Maltase (breaks down maltose, found in starchy foods)
When your body doesn’t make enough of one (or more) of these enzymes, the sugars stay undigested in your gut, feeding bacteria and causing fermentation—hello gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.
Common Types of Disaccharidase Deficiency
- Lactase Deficiency (Lactose Intolerance)
- Can be genetic or develop over time (especially common in adults)
- Symptoms: Bloating, gas, diarrhea 30 mins–2 hours after consuming dairy
- High-lactose foods to watch out for:
- Milk, cream, ice cream, soft cheeses (ricotta, cottage cheese)
- Whey protein concentrate
- Helpful supplements:
- Lactaid or other lactase enzyme pills (OTC)
- Sucrase Deficiency (Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency – CSID)
- Often genetic but sometimes secondary to GI damage (e.g., celiac)
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, gas, explosive diarrhea after sugar or starches
- High-sucrose foods to avoid:
- Table sugar, candies, soda, fruit juice
- Fruits like bananas, pineapples, and mangos
- Cakes, cookies, jams, and syrups
- Helpful supplements:
- Sucraid (Rx enzyme therapy—talk to your doctor)
- Digest Gold
- Low-sugar, low-starch diets can help relieve symptoms
- Maltase Deficiency
- Rare on its own, but can occur with other enzyme deficiencies or GI conditions
- Symptoms: Similar to sucrase—bloating, gas, diarrhea
- High-maltose foods to avoid:
- Malted products (malt vinegar, malted milk, beer, some cereals)
- Bread, pasta, and starchy foods that break down into maltose
- Helpful supplements:
- Digestive enzyme blends like Digest Gold
- Focus on low-starch, low-sugar meals with simple, whole ingredients
How Are These Deficiencies Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually requires:
- Hydrogen breath tests
- Enzyme biopsy
• Elimination diets and symptom tracking can also help point you in the right direction
Gut Gossip Tips for Managing Sugar Enzyme Deficiencies
- Don’t rely on labels alone. “Sugar-free” doesn’t mean enzyme-friendly.
- Watch out for hidden sugars and starches. Especially in sauces, soups, and protein bars.
- Probiotics can help—but choose carefully. Some strains ferment sugars; others reduce inflammation.
- Keep a symptom tracker. Use our free download to log meals and flare-ups.
Supplements That Can Help
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, some over-the-counter and natural remedies may offer real relief.
Top Supplements for Belching Relief:
- Gas-X (simethicone): Helps break up gas bubbles in the stomach.
- IBgard: Peppermint oil capsules designed to soothe the gut lining and reduce gas buildup.
- Digest Gold: Aid in breaking down food more efficiently, reducing gas production.
- Lactaid helps supplement lactase enzyme to reduce bloating and diarrhea
Always advise users to speak with their provider before starting new supplements—especially if they’re on other medications.
Track What Triggers Your Symptoms
Download my FREE Food & Symptom Journal to help you uncover patterns, triggers, and progress with your gut health.
Final Thoughts
Disaccharidase deficiencies are sneaky—but they’re manageable. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, dodging sugar, or decoding starchy foods, the right knowledge (and supplements!) can help you take back your gut.
Still struggling? A digestive enzyme supplement might be your new best friend.