SACCHARUM LACTIS Meaning and
Definition
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Saccharum lactis, also known as lactose, is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is a disaccharide composed of two simple sugar molecules, glucose and galactose, linked together by a beta-glycosidic bond. It has the chemical formula C12H22O11.
In terms of taste, lactose is a crystal-like substance that is odorless and possesses a mildly sweet flavor. It is commonly used as a sweetener or additive in various food products, particularly in the manufacturing of confectionery such as chocolates, candies, and desserts. Lactose provides a desirable sweetness and aids in the overall taste and texture of these products.
Lactose plays a crucial role in human nutrition, particularly for infants, as it serves as the primary sugar present in breast milk, providing essential energy for growth and development. However, lactose intolerance is a condition that affects the ability to digest lactose properly, leading to various digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As a result, lactose may need to be avoided or limited in individuals with lactose intolerance.
Additionally, lactose is often used as a culture medium in microbiology laboratories to cultivate and identify certain bacterial species. It provides a readily available energy source for these bacteria, aiding their growth and enabling scientists to perform various tests and experiments.
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Sugar of milk, lactose, a sugar obtained from the whey of cows milk, C12H22O11+H2O, occurring as a gritty powder of moderately sweetish taste; diuretic in daily doses of 31-6 (30.0-180.0), but employed chiefly in pharmacy in the making of triturations and other preparations.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SACCHARUM LACTIS
Etymology of SACCHARUM LACTIS
The term saccharum lactis is a combination of two Latin words: saccharum which means sugar and lactis which means of milk.
Saccharum is derived from the Greek word sákcharon meaning sugar. The Greek sákcharon was adopted into Latin as saccharum with the same meaning.
Lactis is the genitive form of lac which means milk in Latin. It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *glakt-, which meant milk or to milk. This root gave rise to various words related to milk in different Indo-European languages.
Therefore, saccharum lactis can be translated as sugar of milk or milk sugar.
