– Lactose monohydrate is a type of sugar that is derived from milk. It is a white or pale yellow powder that has a slightly sweet taste and smell. It is used as a sweetener, stabilizer, or filler in various foods and medications.

– Lactose monohydrate is composed of two simple sugars: galactose and glucose, that are linked together by a chemical bond. It has the molecular formula C12H22O11 and the molecular weight of 342.3 grams per mole.

– Lactose monohydrate is produced by crystallizing lactose from cow's milk at low temperatures and then drying off the excess water. The resulting crystals have a stable structure and a long shelf life.

🔅 Lactose monohydrate is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for various purposes like:

1). As a food additive;

– Lactose monohydrate adds sweetness or acts as a stabilizer to help ingredients that do not mix well stay together. It is often found in infant formulas, packaged snacks, frozen meals, and processed desserts, soups, and sauces.

2). As a filler;

– Lactose monohydrate binds to the active ingredient in a medication so that it can be formed into a pill or tablet that can be easily swallowed. It is used in over 20% of prescription medications and over 65% of over-the-counter drugs, such as birth control pills, calcium supplements, and acid reflux medications.

3). As an animal feed;

– Lactose monohydrate increases the bulk and weight of the feed and provides some nutritional value. It is a cheap and readily available source of energy for animals.

– Lactose monohydrate is generally considered safe for consumption in the amounts present in foods and medications.

– However, some people may experience side effects if allergic or intolerant to lactose. This happens because the small intestines do not produce enough of an enzyme (lactase) that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine. Then the undigested lactose passes into the large intestine where it is fermented by bacteria and produces gas and acid causing effects on your health. They include: abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

– People who have lactose allergy have an immune reaction to the proteins in milk that may cause hives, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.

🔅 How is lactose monohydrate related to lactose intolerance?

– They are related in the sense that lactose monohydrate is one of the sources of lactose in foods and medications. If you have lactose intolerance, you may experience side effects if you consume products that contain lactose monohydrate. E.g., abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

🔅 Signs and symptoms;

– The severity of the symptoms depends on how much lactose you consume and how much lactase you produce. Some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose, while others may need to avoid it completely.

– There are different types of lactose intolerance, such as primary, secondary, and congenital; variation in intolerance depends on the type. Common causes are genetic factors, aging, intestinal infections or injuries, and certain diseases.

🔅 Diagnosis of Lactose intolerance;

– The diagnosis of lactose intolerance can be done by following a lactose elimination diet, having blood tests, doing a hydrogen breath test, or having a gastroscopy.

– The treatment of lactose intolerance involves reducing or avoiding foods that contain lactose, taking lactase supplements or enzyme drops, or using lactose-free products.