- Lactose is a disaccharide sugar composed of two monosaccharides: glucose and galactose. It is naturally found in milk and dairy products and is the primary sugar in mammalian milk. Lactose provides a source of energy and plays a crucial role in the nutrition of infants, as it is the main carbohydrate in breast milk and formula.
How is it Made?
Lactose is naturally produced in the mammary glands of mammals. It is synthesized from glucose and galactose through an enzyme called lactose synthase. In the digestive system, lactose is broken down into its monosaccharide components (glucose and galactose) by the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine.
Uses
Food Production
- Sweetener: Lactose is used as a natural sweetener in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. It is less sweet than sucrose (table sugar).
- Filler: Lactose is also used as a filler in processed foods, including baked goods, and in pharmaceutical products like tablets and capsules.
Pharmaceuticals
- Lactose-Free Products: For individuals with lactose intolerance, lactose-free dairy products are produced by removing or breaking down the lactose.
- Tablet Binder: Lactose is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical tablets, where it acts as a binder to help hold the tablet together.
Cosmetics
- Skin Care: Lactose, as part of milk proteins, is sometimes included in cosmetics and skincare products for its moisturizing and skin-softening properties.
Key Facts
- Lactose is the primary sugar found in milk and dairy products, and it is crucial for providing energy, especially in newborn mammals.
- It is a disaccharide, meaning it is composed of two simpler sugars: glucose and galactose.
- In the digestive system, lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase.
Health Benefits and Safety
- Potential Health Benefits:
- Lactose provides an important source of energy, especially for infants.
- It helps in the absorption of calcium and magnesium, supporting bone health.
- Possible Side Effects:
- Some people are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase, which leads to difficulty digesting lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Excessive intake of dairy products containing lactose can contribute to discomfort in people with lactose intolerance, although lactose-free alternatives are available.
Its chemical formula is C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.