Medical, nutritional and technological properties of lactulose. An update.
The undigestable disaccharide lactulose has been in medical use for over 40 years, mainly in the treatment of portosystemic encephalopathy and of constipation. Pharmacodynamics of lactulose make it an efficacious and safe drug in these indications. But the reason for its numerous potential benefits are under research now. The major principle of action is the promotion of growth and activity of lactic acid bacteria in the gut which counteract detrimental species such as clostridia or salmonellae. This shows that prebiotic action, if used accordingly, can have medically significant effects. The mechanism of action, medical and prebiotic effects, veterinary uses, and technological properties of lactulose, e. g. in yoghurt production are reviewed.
Schumann
Christian
C
Solvay Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Postfach 220, 30002 Hannover, Germany.
D000818:Animals; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism; D002353:Carrier State / Q000188:drug therapy; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000254:growth & development*; D007792:Lactulose / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D012480:Salmonella Infections / Q000188:drug therapy
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D004731:Endotoxins; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007792:Lactulose