Lactose

Lactose isn't exactly a medical substance, but it's a natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Here's a breakdown of lactose, its role in the body, and some related aspects:

Function in Food:

• Lactose is a disaccharide sugar, meaning it consists of two simpler sugars: glucose and galactose [1].
• It's the primary sugar in milk produced by mammals to nourish their young [2].

Body Function (If Lactose Tolerant):

• For people with healthy digestion and the enzyme lactase, lactose is broken down in the small intestine into glucose and galactose [1].
• These simple sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream and provide energy for the body.

Lactose Intolerance:

• Lactose intolerance is a condition where people have difficulty digesting lactose due to a lack of lactase enzyme [3].
• When lactose isn't broken down properly, it passes into the large intestine where gut bacteria ferment it, causing digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramps.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance:

• Symptoms typically occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing products [3].
• The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the individual's degree of lactase deficiency.

Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance:

• Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed through various methods, including breath tests, stool tests, or a hydrogen lactose tolerance test [4].

Management of Lactose Intolerance:

• There's no cure for lactose intolerance, but it can be effectively managed by:
  • Limiting or avoiding lactose-containing dairy products [5].
  • Consuming lactose-free dairy alternatives.
  • Taking lactase enzyme supplements before consuming dairy products [6].

Lactose in Medical Applications:

• While not a medication itself, lactose can have some medical applications:
  • Filler in Medications: Lactose is sometimes used as a filler or bulking agent in some medications [7].
  • Culture Media: Lactose can be a component of culture media used to grow bacteria in laboratories [8].