LACTOSE Meaning and
Definition
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Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. It belongs to a class of carbohydrates known as disaccharides, which means it is composed of two sugar molecules: glucose and galactose. Lactose is primarily found in the milk of mammals and serves as a crucial energy source for newborns, providing them with the necessary calories for growth and development.
In terms of its chemical structure, lactose is a white, crystalline substance that is soluble in water. It is classified as a reducing sugar, meaning it is capable of donating electrons during a chemical reaction.
However, not everyone possesses the necessary enzymes to digest lactose fully. Lactose intolerance is a common condition where the individual lacks the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose into its constituent sugars for absorption in the small intestine. As a result, undigested lactose may reach the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria, leading to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
To accommodate individuals with lactose intolerance, lactose-free products are available in the market. These products undergo enzymatic treatment to break down lactose into glucose and galactose, making them easily digestible. Additionally, lactase supplements can be taken to aid in the digestion of lactose. However, it is important to note that lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune system reaction to the proteins in milk rather than the lactose sugar itself.
Top Common Misspellings for LACTOSE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LACTOSE
Etymology of LACTOSE
The word "lactose" is derived from the Latin word "lac" meaning "milk" and the suffix "-ose" indicating a sugar. Hence, "lactose" refers specifically to the sugar found in milk.
Similar spelling words for LACTOSE
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