Description
Biochem/physiol Actions
Lactose is a dissacharide formed by the condensation of one galactose and one glucose molecule. Lactose is the major sugar in the milk of most species, typically present between 2-8%.
alpha-Lactose is the primary sugar present in milk and the main energy source to a newborn mammalian through its mother′s milk. It is digested by the intestinal lactase (EC 3.2.1.108), an enzyme expressed in newborns. The enzyme′s activity declines following weaning which can lead to lactose intolerance in adult mammals.