Applications of Lactulose in the Medical Field
Synthetic nondigestible disaccharide
Excellent prebiotic activity ("bifidogenic factor")
Thermal and acid stability
Low glycemic index
Applications of Lactulose in the Medical Field
What Is LOSWIFT™Lactulose?
Overview & Properties
LOSWIFT™Lactulose (4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructose) is a synthetic disaccharide in which a galactose unit is joined to a fructose unit through a beta-1,4 glycosidic bond. It does not occur in nature; industrially it is produced by alkaline isomerization of the milk sugar lactose, following the Lobry de Bruyn-Alberda van Ekenstein rearrangement. The substance has a molar mass of 342.30 g/mol and a melting point near 169 degrees C, and presents as a white, odourless crystalline powder with a gently sweet taste.
Since human digestive enzymes are unable to hydrolyse its glycosidic bond, LOSWIFT™Lactulose travels through the upper gastrointestinal tract without being broken down and arrives in the colon, where it serves as a selective growth substrate for beneficial saccharolytic bacteria. This characteristic is the basis for its established position as a prebiotic and pharmaceutical agent: it is registered as a medicinal drug in over 100 countries for indications such as constipation and hepatic encephalopathy.
Health Benefits
Relief and Long-Term Management of Constipation
Employed as an osmotic laxative since the 1960s, LOSWIFT™Lactulose reaches the caecum unchanged and is fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria into short-chain fatty acids, reducing luminal pH and increasing osmotic pressure to draw water into the colonic lumen. This increases stool bulk and speeds up propulsive motility without inducing cramping or disturbing electrolyte balance.
Lowering of Blood Ammonia and Support in Hepatic Encephalopathy
Acts through three pathways: colonic acidification converts diffusible NH3 into non-absorbable ammonium ions (NH4+), bacterial growth channels nitrogen into microbial protein synthesis, and bacterial ammonia-producing enzymes are suppressed, effectively lowering blood ammonia levels and improving cognitive performance in hepatic encephalopathy patients.
Suppression of Secondary Bile Acid Formation
By expanding saccharolytic flora and lowering colonic pH, LOSWIFT™Lactulose alters the metabolic environment to distinctly reduce both the concentration and daily excretion of cytotoxic and potentially co-carcinogenic secondary bile acids (lithocholic and deoxycholic acids).
Anti-Endotoxin & Chemopreventive Effects
Lowers systemic blood endotoxin levels and protects kidney function in obstructive jaundice surgical contexts. Additionally, it curtails DNA damage in the colonic mucosa and stimulates immune-related responses through bifidobacteria proliferation, playing a potential role in maintaining long-term colon health.
Application Advantages in Specific Disease Directions
Value in Managing Nontyphoid Salmonella Carriers
Strong acidification of the colonic lumen creates an environment where persistent Salmonella cannot thrive, offering a non-antibiotic method to accelerate bacterial clearance significantly faster than standard antibiotic treatments.
Adjunctive Potential in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Restrains pathogenic bacterial genera, lowers gut-derived endotoxin uptake, regularizes bowel habits, and provides indirect antioxidant activity by promoting colonic hydrogen production to offset mucosal oxidative stress.
Promotion of Mineral Absorption and Bone Health
Markedly improves colonic absorption and body retention of calcium and magnesium (as well as zinc, copper, and iron in animal models) through luminal acidification and mucosal transport upregulation, supporting bone mineralization and strength.
Key Clinical Applications
Application Overview
Primary Indication: Minimal and overt portal systemic encephalopathy in advanced liver disease.
Serves as a therapeutic cornerstone by trapping nitrogen as ammonium ions, increasing microbial protein synthesis, and reducing blood ammonia accumulation.
Key Mechanisms
Key Clinical Findings
Significant Ammonia Reduction: Demonstrated in animal models to decrease post-meat-challenge blood ammonia levels from 12.65 ± 1.64 µg/mL down to 8.45 ± 0.90 µg/mL.
Cognitive & Quality of Life Improvement: Clinical trials showed 3-month LOSWIFT™Lactulose therapy significantly reduced abnormal neuropsychological test scores and improved cognitive performance and emotional health.
High Efficacy Comparison: Judged equal or superior to alternatives including lactitol, neomycin combinations, and sodium benzoate.
Application Overview
Primary Indications: Obstructive jaundice surgical prophylaxis and nontyphoid Salmonella carriage.
Prevents postoperative endotoxaemia and kidney damage while enabling rapid non-antibiotic clearance of persistent enteric pathogens.
Key Mechanisms
Key Clinical Findings
Postoperative Protection: Preoperative oral administration substantially lowered systemic endotoxin levels and reduced post-op serum creatinine in jaundiced patients.
Rapid Salmonella Clearance: 68.6% of treated carriers cleared the bacteria within 4 weeks, outperforming antibiotic-treated groups who experienced prolonged shedding.
Organ Preservation: Significantly reduced mortality and renal dysfunction following endotoxin challenge in surgical jaundice models.
Company Introduction
Leading Global Manufacturer of Functional Sweeteners Since 1997
Baolingbao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, and solution services of functional carbohydrates. Founded in 1997, we are focused on enzyme engineering and fermentation engineering, serving customers across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
In 2009, we became the first functional sugar company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 002286) in China's A-share market. Today, we have established deep strategic partnerships with major global customers including Coca-Cola, Danone, Yili Group, and Perfect (China).The company operates on a site spanning 300 acres, with an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons and a workforce of 1,300 employees.
Advanced R&D Capabilities
Possessing 9 R&D platforms including national enterprise technology center, national-local joint engineering lab, and postdoctoral research workstation. Expert team composed of academicians, Taishan Scholars, and overseas experts.
Global Market Presence
Products exported to over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Strategic partnerships with majority of core customers across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries.
World-Class Manufacturing
Baolingbao's production infrastructure is characterized by a high degree of automation, intelligence, and digitalization. The company has made substantial investments in key facilities, including drying towers, pharmaceutical-grade sugar production lines, digital erythritol plants, and intelligent stereo warehouses. Featuring internationally sourced technologies and advanced control systems, these initiatives have enhanced production efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and enabled full traceability across the supply chain.In support of sustainable operations, Baolingbao manages 40,000 mu (approximately 2,667 hectares) of regenerative agricultural planting bases and generates 10 million kWh of photovoltaic power annually.
Comprehensive Quality Assurance
First batch to pass FDA on-site audit. Certified with GMP, GRAS, HALAL, Kosher, Organic (US & EU standards), ISO9001/22000/14000/45001. End-to-end food safety from farm to table.
Innovation & Industry Leadership
Over 260 patent applications submitted with 97 patents granted and more than 70 core technologies developed. Actively participated in formulation of 1 international standard and over 30 national standards.
Contact Us
baolingbao@blb-cn.com
