What is Lactulose and What Foods Contain It?

Let's explain what lactulose is, what its properties are, and why for over 50 years it has not lost its popularity in the treatment and prevention of constipation in adults and children.

What is Lactulose?

Lactulose is a natural component composed of galactose and fructose molecules. It is obtained by the isomerization of lactose, which is extracted from whey, which gives the substance a slightly sweet taste.

Lactulose is a prebiotic, which means a substance that serves as food for intestinal microflora. These are indigestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of protective intestinal microflora, improving the health of the intestine. Prebiotics usually refer to a type of dietary fiber that is not broken down in the stomach due to the absence of specific enzymes.

Lactulose was first discovered in 1948 in breast milk, and then numerous studies showed its positive effect on the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in babies. In 1959, scientists F. Mayerhofer and F. Petuely recorded the positive impact of lactulose on the intestinal microbiota of formula-fed newborns: the population level of bifidobacteria rose from almost zero to 80-100%.

We can highlight the following positive properties of lactulose:

• provides a gentle laxative effect;
• normalizes the work of the digestive tract;
• activates the body's defense mechanisms and helps eliminate toxins;
• promotes better absorption of calcium and magnesium.

Lactulose: What Foods Contain It?

For the correct and stable functioning of the body, it is important to consume foods rich in fiber. Lactulose is also present in some of them. Fiber and lactulose are not digested by the body, but they create a feeling of fullness and help prevent overeating. They also improve the motor function of the intestine and help eliminate toxins.

Lactulose is found in the following food products:

• breast milk;
• yogurt;
• cottage cheese;
• apricots and dried apricots;
• asparagus;
• salad leaves;
• daikon;
• cauliflower;
• broccoli;
• corn;
• garlic;
• onions;
• black currant;
• cranberry;
• papaya;
• beans;
• pineapple.

Application and Action of Lactulose

Intestinal dysbiosis, as a secondary syndrome, develops in many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs and body systems. An integral component of the complex treatment of dysbiotic disorders of various etiologies is the use of probiotics and prebiotics - indigestible ingredients that stimulate an increase in the number of lacto and bifidobacteria in the intestine and thus contribute to the normalization of the qualitative composition of the intestinal microflora.

Currently, one of the most studied bifido and lactogenic prebiotics is lactulose, which selectively stimulates the growth of beneficial microflora, lowers the pH in the intestine, and improves carbohydrate metabolism.

Since lactulose is not found in nature in its pure form, the human body does not have enzymes capable of breaking down its components. As a result, lactulose passes through the upper sections of the digestive tract undigested and reaches the large intestine, where it promotes the proliferation of microorganisms (intestinal flora) beneficial to human health, especially in cases of:

• constipation;
• dysbacteriosis;
• intestinal and liver diseases.

The substance, when added to food, increases its digestibility and improves intestinal transit. In small doses, lactulose is suitable for enriching dairy products, baby porridge, bran, muesli, and baked goods. In large doses, it is used as a natural laxative, suitable for both children and adults.

Lactulose reaches the large intestine and is broken down there, drawing water into the intestine. This softens the feces, which helps in the natural passage of food. Due to the bacterial breakdown of the substance into lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric fatty acids, the acidity of the intestinal environment decreases. As a result, osmotic pressure increases and fluid is retained in the intestinal cavity, intensifying its peristalsis. This is called an osmotic laxative.

Lactulose is used in the treatment of a brain disease that develops due to an increase in blood ammonia levels. This disease occurs when the liver begins to function incorrectly and cannot remove toxins properly. Ammonia, under the influence of lactulose, is absorbed from the blood into the large intestine and then is eliminated with feces. In this situation, lactulose cleanses the intestine and helps the body remove toxins that accumulate when the liver is not working well.

Studies on women and men show that in the presence of lactulose in the diet, the body absorbs calcium better (by 30%), which is important not only for the active growth and development of children but also for mothers in the postpartum period.

The human body does not produce lactulose. The main source is food. Since the substance is obtained from dairy raw materials, it is often added to fermented dairy products. In them, lactulose is a strong bifidogenic agent, which activates the growth of natural intestinal microflora. The substance is distinguished by its high decomposition temperature - 225 ℃ and a long shelf life - up to two years. This makes lactulose resistant to heat treatment and allows its use in the fermentation of dairy products.

Live probiotic microorganisms feed on prebiotics, resulting in the stimulation of the body's defenses and the development of beneficial microflora in the intestine. Probiotics and prebiotics can be consumed separately, but together they give a more stable and lasting effect. If they are contained in the same product, it is called a symbiotic.

So, where can we get the lactulose, so necessary for our body, in order to ensure a correct and comfortable environment for probiotic microorganisms?

In the VIVO product line, there are dry bacterial starter cultures that have a positive effect on the normalization of natural microflora:

1. "Probio Yogurt VIVO", thanks to its higher concentration of probiotic bacteria, efficiently normalizes digestive processes, restoring natural intestinal microbiota.
2. "Yogurt VIVO in sachets" without additives has a neutral taste, can be used as a dressing for salads, a base for fruit and berry desserts, or plain for those who want to normalize digestion and strengthen immunity. This product is suitable for daily consumption by children and adults.

The mentioned starter cultures can be consumed both without fermentation and as part of fermented dairy products. The beneficial qualities of lactulose do not deteriorate after fermentation, but to get the necessary dose of lactulose, you will have to consume the entire volume of the prepared fermented dairy product at once. It is advisable to take the starter culture without fermentation immediately after a main meal, for 1-3 weeks. The maximum effect from consuming symbiotics in pure form is observed in combination with the intake of freshly prepared homemade fermented dairy products.

What else is lactulose used for? Lactulose enriches baby food. It is an important component of adapted infant formula, as it is present in sufficient quantity in breast milk and helps the still fragile body cope with dysbiosis, disorders, and even skin rashes. This product favorably affects the unstable intestine of babies, restoring its microbiological balance if pathogenic microflora begins to predominate over beneficial, and promotes the complete absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Lactulose is also used in the confectionery and baking industry. The substance is not caloric, but it can sweeten baked goods or desserts without extra carbohydrates.

Lactulose can be taken by adults over 14 years old, including pregnant and lactating women. Babies and children can take lactulose on a doctor's recommendation.

Make sure you do not have contraindications for the use of lactulose, as it is not suitable for some people:

• if you have ever had allergic reactions to lactulose;
• if there is a rare health problem in which the body cannot process a sugar called galactose (galactosemia);
• if you have diabetes (since lactulose can affect blood sugar levels).

Now you know how to safely and naturally help your digestion if you occasionally have unpleasant problems, and what to do to avoid such situations in the future. Stay well!

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