Product Overview

Lactulose is an organic compound with the chemical formula C12H22O11. It is a pale yellow, transparent, viscous liquid, a disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose, which does not occur naturally. Typically, lactulose is available in a syrup-like form. It is widely used in clinical medicine, dietary supplements, and as a food additive.

Lactulose, an artificial disaccharide made from galactose and monosaccharides, is primarily found as an oral solution on the market. It is almost not absorbed after oral administration and does not enter the bloodstream, acting as an osmotic laxative generally used for treating moderate to severe constipation. Lactulose also functions as a prebiotic.

Production Process

  1. Chemical Method
    1. Single Alkali Catalysis: This system uses sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, and tertiary amines as catalysts, with a lactulose conversion rate of around 20%.
    2. Acid-Base Synergistic Catalysis: This system involves adding boric acid to the reaction mixture, which under alkaline conditions forms a lactulose-boric acid complex, shifting the reaction equilibrium towards lactulose production.
  1. Biological Method
    1. Enzyme Method: The primary method for producing lactulose biologically involves using β-galactosidase. The principle is to hydrolyze lactose into galactose and glucose using the enzyme’s hydrolytic activity and then transfer the galactose to a fructose receptor to form lactulose through the enzyme’s transglycosylation activity.

Differences Between Lactulose and Oligofructose

  • Main Differences in Source, Efficacy, and Usage:
    • Source: Lactulose is synthetically produced, while oligosaccharides are extracted from various fruits and vegetables.
    • Efficacy: Lactulose is used to relieve constipation, whereas oligosaccharides primarily promote the growth of bifidobacteria in the colon and are functional oligosaccharides.
    • Usage: Lactulose can be used as a medication for better results, while oligosaccharides are natural ingredients used in food or dietary supplements. Medications should not be used long-term without medical advice.

Food Applications: Dietary supplements, food, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Lactulose (Lactulose/galactofructose) is a disaccharide formed from the combination of galactose and fructose and has been used as a medication for decades. While not absorbed by the small intestine, lactulose supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In recent years, its health benefits have gained recognition, making it prominent in functional markets.

  1. Pharmaceuticals: Treats constipation and hyperammonemia.
  2. Food: Used in dairy products, meat products, baked goods, pasta, and flavoring.
  3. Feed: Used in pet food, animal feed, aquatic feed, vitamin feed, and veterinary products.

Packaging and Storage

[Storage Conditions]: Store in a sealed, light-blocking, cool, dry, and well-ventilated place

[Packaging]: 25kg/fiber drum for bulk, 1kg/aluminum foil bag for samples; custom packaging available upon request

[Shipping]: Courier or logistics, domestic courier delivery within three days, logistics within five days. Prices generally include domestic shipping

[Shelf Life]: Two years

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