The Story of Lactose.help: How a Belgian Engineer and an AI Studio Built an Ecosystem for the 70% Who Live with Lactose Intolerance
The problem
70% of the world's population is lactose intolerant. Yet many intolerant people navigate blindly, avoid products they could consume, pay too much for products labelled "lactose-free", or simply deprive themselves of food pleasures for lack of reliable and accessible information.
The genesis: Gauthier's expertise
Gauthier de Valensart, a Belgian engineer, discovered his lactose intolerance about ten years ago. Rather than enduring it, he applied his engineer's rigour to the problem. He spent years analyzing thousands of products, breaking down nutritional compositions, understanding the science behind intolerance. He developed a personal methodology that allows him to consume serenely without depriving himself. He built up an expertise at the crossroads of nutrition, data analysis, and field experience.
He had two projects in mind for years: writing a book and creating a mobile application. But between consulting, family, and other projects, distribution remained very local.
The trigger: the day that changed everything
Gauthier and Olivier have known each other for a long time. Olivier had just launched The AI App Factory, an innovation studio that helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into concrete technological solutions, in a few weeks rather than months or even years. He was looking for a trusted outside perspective, someone who understands entrepreneurial stakes. He naturally turned to Gauthier.
While talking, Gauthier mentioned his idea for a lactose application. Olivier explained his methodology and they decided to spend a day together to see if it was possible to create a first prototype in June 2025.
By the end of the day, the prototype was functional. Gauthier understood that the project could quickly come to life on a completely different scale if they both freed up time to dedicate to it. The decision was made: they launched lactose.help together.
The partnership
Lactose.help was born from the complementarity of two expertises:
- Gauthier brings his engineering expertise, in-depth knowledge of lactose intolerance, the Lacto-Score methodology, and is taking on the writing of the book.
- Olivier brings his expertise in artificial intelligence, his working method for turning ideas into functional projects, and is taking on the development of the application.
Together, in a few months, they built the Lactose.help ecosystem.
The ecosystem
Lactose.help is not a mobile application. It is not a book. It is a complete ecosystem designed for lactose-intolerant people:
- The application: scan any product and instantly get its lactose level via the Lacto-Score system.
- The book: the reference guide to understanding intolerance, the science behind it, and how to manage your diet serenely.
- Educational content: articles, practical advice, and resources to deepen your understanding.
The book provides the overall understanding. The mobile application automates the book's method on a daily basis. Together, they form a complete solution.
The mission
To enable millions of lactose-intolerant people to make informed food choices, quickly and with full confidence. Because intolerance does not rhyme with deprivation.
Photo by Maxence Pira on Unsplash