Sublimed Sulfur (SULMEDOL) for the Activation of Endogenous Lactase and Restoration of Lactose Tolerance

Objective: To determine whether ingested Sublimed Sulfur would restore lactose tolerance in participants with clinical and laboratory evidence of lactose intolerance. Methods: 41 participants with severe lactose intolerance were treated with Sublimed Sulfur (USP) and a restricted lactose diet for a mean of 3.6 (SD 3.4) weeks, followed by a regular diet and Sublimed Sulfur for mean 5.8 (SD 3.9) weeks. Participants who relapsed were given a second course of Sublimed Sulfur for an average of 7.4 (SD 5.0) weeks. Comparisons were made between baseline-and-post-treatment symptoms, and standard lactose tolerance test results in a subset of 19 participants with positive baseline lactose tolerance tests (Lac+). Side-effects were documented. Results: Of the 41 participants, 39 (95.1%) became asymptomatic during treatment and 20 (51.3%) remained asymptomatic after the first treatment course. 2 participants were lost to follow-up. The overall relapse rate was 0.46 (C.I.: 0.32 – 0.61). In with a relapse, 13 (76.5%) remained asymptomatic after the second course of treatment; 2 were lost to follow-up. The estimated median time for the symptom-free period after Sublimed Sulfur discontinuation was 76 weeks. In the (lac+)subset, 89.5% became clinically asymptomatic and, after treatment, their serum glucose levels increased significantly above baseline at 30 (t = 2.81; p = 0.01) and 60 minutes (t = 2.58; p = 0.02) of the lactose tolerance test; 9 (47.4%) converted Lac+ to Lac -. Bloating occurred in 2.4% and flatulence in 4.8% of the sample. Conclusion: A limited course of treatment with Sublimed Sulfur caused a significant increase in β-D-galactosidase activity and restored lactose tolerance for prolonged periods in lactose intolerance with no adverse events.