What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Lactose Monohydrate & Lactose Intolerance
When you hear the term "sugar" you likely think of the white crystals commonly known as table sugar. This type of sugar, called sucrose is just one type of sugar molecule. Two other common types include fructose found in fruit and lactose found in milk 1. The lactose sugar consists of two simple sugars — glucose and galactose — bound together to form a diasaccharide sugar. Lactose, which exists as different forms, including lactose monohydrate, triggers uncomfortable symptoms in those who suffer from lactose intolerance.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Types of Lactose
Scientists classify sugars as carbohydrates because they consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Galactose and glucose each form a ring-shaped molecule bound together by an oxygen molecule to create lactose. The orientation of the carbon and hydrogen can change creating two types of lactose: alpha-lactose and beta-lactose. When transformed into the solid form, alpha-lactose crystallizes into lactose monohydrate. This name designation means that each lactose molecule is associated with one water molecule.
- Scientists classify sugars as carbohydrates because they consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
- The orientation of the carbon and hydrogen can change creating two types of lactose: alpha-lactose and beta-lactose.
Food Additive
Diet for Disaccharide Malabsorption
Learn More
In nature, you find lactose in milk produced by mammals. All foods made from milk, including yogurt, cheese and ice cream also contain lactose 1. It serves as a good food source of energy and facilitates the absorption of calcium. Its ability to enhance flavor and color of foods, modify food texture and extend shelf-life also make it a desirable food additive. For those who suffer from lactose intolerance, this makes eating a lactose-free diet more difficult.
- In nature, you find lactose in milk produced by mammals.
- Its ability to enhance flavor and color of foods, modify food texture and extend shelf-life also make it a desirable food additive.
Lactose Intolerance
Because lactose consists of two simple sugar molecules, it is too big for the intestines to absorb. Cells lining the small intestine produce and secrete an enzyme known as lactase that functions to break the bond between the glucose and galactose so your body can absorb the sugar and utilize the energy. As you age, your body slows its production of lactase, leading to a lactase deficiency. Without enough lactase you cannot digest lactose and it remains in the digestive tract. Once it enters the large intestine, the bacteria try to break down the sugar through a process of fermentation. This causes the symptoms of lactose intolerance, including excessive gas, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and diarrhea.cause:
- This causes the symptoms of lactose intolerance
- including excessive gas
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- nausea
- diarrhea
- Because lactose consists of two simple sugar molecules, it is too big for the intestines to absorb.
- Cells lining the small intestine produce and secrete an enzyme known as lactase that functions to break the bond between the glucose and galactose so your body can absorb the sugar and utilize the energy.
Lactose Ingredients
Lactate & Lactose Intolerance
Learn More
Your doctor can diagnose lactose intolerance by performing a lactose tolerance test or a hydrogen breath test. Upon receiving your diagnosis, the best way to control your symptoms is to adopt a lactose-free diet. Although it may sound simple to remove milk and yogurt from your diet, so many foods contain lactose you must carefully read all ingredient labels to determine the lactose-free foods 1. Any ingredient that resembles milk, like milk solids, skim milk solids and milk powder contains lactose. Other ingredients derived from milk are not as easy to spot. Consult your doctor or your dietitian for a complete list of ingredients that may contain lactose or lactose monohydrate.
- Your doctor can diagnose lactose intolerance by performing a lactose tolerance test or a hydrogen breath test.
- Although it may sound simple to remove milk and yogurt from your diet, so many foods contain lactose you must carefully read all ingredient labels to determine the lactose-free foods 1.
Related Articles
References
- Food Reactions: Milk and Lactose Hidden in Foods; 2005
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Lactose Intolerance
- Hebbink G, Dickhoff B.. Application of lactose in the pharmaceutical industry. Lactose. 2019;pp.175-229. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-811720-0.00005-2
- Smith KP. The origin of MacConkey agar. American Society for Microbiology. October 14, 2019.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference. Lactose intolerance. Updated August 17, 2020.
- Westhoff G, Kuster B, Heslinga M, Pluim H, Verhage, M. Lactose and derivatives. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, pp.1-9. 2014. doi:10.1002/14356007.a15_107.pub2
- World Gastroenterology Organisation. Yogurt in nutrition: Initiative for a balanced diet.
Writer Bio
Stephanie Chandler is a freelance writer whose master's degree in biomedical science and over 15 years experience in the scientific and pharmaceutical professions provide her with the knowledge to contribute to health topics. Chandler has been writing for corporations and small businesses since 1991. In addition to writing scientific papers and procedures, her articles are published on Overstock.com and other websites.