What is lactose? The role and food source of lactose for the body

Lactose is a common name in dairy products, is one of the very good and necessary sugars for the body. So what is lactose? The role of lactose and food sources of lactose for the body, find out now.

What is Lactose?

Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products . Lactose makes up about 2% to 8% of the total milk weight. Lactose is a very important and necessary substance because it provides up to 40% of energy , helps the body absorb iron and calcium better.

When entering the body, lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose for absorption by the body. This separation is carried out by lactase in the small intestine.

The role of lactose in health

For adults

Lactose provides energy for cells in the body. Glucose is made from lactose which is the source and reserve of energy for the brain and daily activities.

According to research by the California Institute of Nutrition, lactose promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines , helping the digestive system work more efficiently.

Lactose also helps reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes …

For children

Lactose is one of the essential sugars for the physical and intellectual development of children. Provides energy and stores energy for the brain and daily activities.

The outstanding role of lactose with children is to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, helping to protect the child’s immature digestive system from the invasion of harmful bacteria and parasites, helping to develop a healthy immune system. healthy intestinal mucosa.

Lactose supports the absorption of calcium for bone and joint development , phosphorus absorption for the formation and brain development of children.

– The sugar galactose, after being separated from lactose, plays an important role in the formation of brain tissue and the baby’s nervous system in the first years of life.

Food sources of lactose

The most abundant sources of lactose are in breast milk and animal milk .

Raw milk is the main source of lactose. In addition, you can add lactose from dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, butter …

Lactose is also added by manufacturers to powdered milk with the amount depending on the type of milk. Formula milk is the most commonly used and effective source of lactose for infants.

Lactose intolerance in children

The main cause is the lack of lactase enzyme in the body, which prevents lactose from being broken down. Lactose sugar stays in the intestines, absorbs water, causing prolonged diarrhea. Lactose intolerance can be hereditary, digestive disorders, diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, etc.

– Lactose intolerance is divided into two types: Secondary lactose deficiency usually lasts from 1 to 2 weeks and is easily remedied. Primary lactose deficiency is rare and usually occurs only in newborns.

– Symptoms usually appear a few hours after drinking milk such as belching, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, children do not want to eat, diarrhea, loose stools, sour or foamy smell, red anus.

– For children with lactose intolerance, it is necessary to combine treatment and nutritional changes in choosing the right milk for the child. Never try to add lactose when your child has an intolerance.

Tips when adding lactose to your baby

For children with lactose intolerance, choose lactose-free milk. Children still fully absorb nutrients from this milk, thanks to advanced technology that separates lactose into glucose and galactose. After recovery, the child can be introduced to low-lactose milk in gradually increasing doses.

– Breastfed children with lactose intolerance need nutritional care by increasing breastfeeding. Because lactose in breast milk can be absorbed without lactase enzyme.

– For babies who are just starting to drink milk, it is advisable to give them low-lactose milk first to get used to them and check to see if they have lactose intolerance. If yes, you need to give your baby lactose-free milk.

Children should be taught the habit of drinking milk from an early age so that the body can easily adapt to lactose and stimulate the intestines to produce lactase.

Lactose is essential for human health. However, when you have lactose intolerance, you should consider adding this sugar, especially for children. Hope this article provides more useful information about what lactose is for mothers.

Source: Vinmec

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