Patent ID: 8298596

Claim:
A method of using a solid lactase composition in particulate form to treat lactose intolerance upon ingestion of a food article comprising lactose, the lactase composition consisting essentially of a plurality of particles, wherein the particles consist essentially of a lactase in solid form and a protective material as a matrix material with the lactase dispersed within the protective material, configured such that the protective material stabilizes the lactase in the food article from the lactose prior to ingestion and wherein the protective material dissolves in acidic or basic environment to release the lactase with the food article upon consumption of the food article such that the lactase and the particles are in the presence of the food article during release of the lactase from the particles for the lactase to hydrolyze the lactose from the food article, the method comprising applying the lactase composition in particulate form to the food article or using the lactase composition in the course of consuming the food article, wherein the particles have a size that is not perceptible or barely perceptible on the human tongue such that upon consuming the food article the composition in particulate form is not perceptible or is barely perceptible on the human tongue; and wherein the lactase composition is in the form of a powder or a powder within a thin strip.