What is lactose?
Lactose is a disaccharide naturally found in mammalian milk, consisting of one glucose molecule and one galactose molecule. In the nutritional list of dairy products, lactose falls under the category of “carbohydrates” or “sugars.”
What is lactase hydrolysis?
Lactase hydrolysis is a process in which lactose molecules are broken down into glucose and galactose, allowing people with lactose intolerance to enjoy dairy products. This change does not affect the overall sugar content but creates an excess of galactose, which makes lactose-free products unsuitable for individuals with galactosemia.
In terms of taste, lactose-free products may appear sweeter than regular ones, even though there is no actual difference in the sugar content.
