Lactose

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Lactose Lactose is a disaccharide that is made up of two molecules of the monosaccharides β-D-galactose and β-D-glucose. They are joined by a β1-4 glycosidic bond.

Lactose, also called milk sugar, represents 2-8 percent of the dry matter in the milk, whether buffalo milk, goat milk, sheep milk, cow 's milk or other milk.

The name of the disaccharide comes from the Latin word for milk lactis and suffix - oza, used to name sugars. The hydrolysis of this disaccharide to glucose and galactose is catalyzed by the enzyme lactase.

Lactose use

Due to its content in milk, lactose manages to get into our well-known dairy products, as well as to be used as a food supplement. The main products in which it is contained in the largest quantities are: milk, yogurt, whey, cheese, cottage cheese, cheese, cheese, cream.

Lactose It is also used as an additive in the production of a wide range of products. It turns out that it is an important component in the composition of sausages, salami, ham and all kinds of other sausages. It is also contained in mixtures for ready-made soups, creams and mousses.

Present in the industrial production of various sauces such as mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. You will also find it in products such as condensed milk, instant coffee, various canned food (mostly fish), bouillon cubes, chocolates, candies, chewing gum.

He also participates in various pastries such as cakes, pies, donuts, Easter cakes, cheesecakes and more. It is also possible to use it as a component of some tablets.

Benefits of lactose

Lactose is a very important element that is necessary for the development of any young organism. Thanks to it, they manage to synthesize various substances. It improves the absorption of vitamin C and vitamin B.

In addition, it supports the absorption of calcium, as well as the reproduction and development of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which, in turn, are necessary for the presence of strong immunity.

Let's not forget that bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are the basis of the normal intestinal flora. According to experts lactose also plays an important role in the proper development of the nervous system in children. In the elderly, it prevents the development of certain cardiovascular diseases.

Lactose and lactase

As we have already established, lactose is a disaccharide contained in breast milk, ie in breast milk. Lactase, in turn, is an enzyme that is formed in the body of babies.

Its purpose is to absorb lactose and help it break down into glucose and galactose. The production of this enzyme is strongest in infancy, but with the growth of young people and animals decreases and it is more difficult for them to absorb lactose.

Harm from lactose

Lactase loss is normal in a large part of the population, but it leads to so-called lactose intolerance, also known as lactose intolerance.

It turns out that the impaired absorption of lactose causes its fermentation in the body, which in turn leads to a number of complaints, including bloating, rumbling intestines, gas formation and excretion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased intestinal motility, muscle cramps and more.

It is important to know that lactose intolerance can lead to disturbances in the absorption of certain nutrients and minerals.

Recently, lactose intolerance has become one of the most common problem conditions in Europe. It is unpleasant that the condition worsens with age. It is often confused with a milk allergy, but in fact the two conditions are completely different.

According to some sources, the first to suspect the existence of such a phenomenon was the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. He talks about how some people have stomach problems after drinking milk. However, it was not until the last century that lactose intolerance was described in more detail.

In the presence of such a problem, patients have to follow a certain diet. It is good for them to give up milk and dairy products and to include in their menu food products such as soy milk, tofu / soy cheese /, fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, nuts, fish (as long as it is not canned), eggs, honey, tea, coffee (as long as it is not soluble), pasta suitable for vegans, alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.

It is believed that in some people, yogurt, cheese and yellow cheese do not cause such tangible complaints, but nevertheless they belong to the group of risky foods.

People with lactose intolerance also need to take extra vitamin D, as it helps absorb calcium. You can get it in the form of a dietary supplement, but the better option is to take it through foods such as beef, beef kidneys, pork, liver, eggs, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, caviar, herring, cod, mackerel, catfish, trout, shrimp, etc.