Lactulose: Bridging Prebiotic Function and Clinical Application in Medicine and Pharmacy
Synthetic nondigestible disaccharide
Prebiotic that suppresses secondary bile acid formation
Supports intestinal mineral absorption and bone health
Low glycemic index
Lactulose: Bridging Prebiotic Function and Clinical Application in Medicine and Pharmacy
Background and Properties of LOSWIFT™Lactulose
Natural Sweetness, Enhanced Performance
LOSWIFT™Lactulose (4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructose) is a synthetic, non-digestible disaccharide that does not occur naturally. It is produced almost exclusively today through alkaline isomerization of lactose, in a process that follows the Lobry de Bruyn-Alberda van Ekenstein transformation: under basic conditions, the glucose unit of lactose is rearranged into a fructose unit, yielding LOSWIFT™Lactulose as an intermediate of lactose isomerization.
The molecule has a molar mass of 342.30 g mol^-1, a melting point of 169 degreesC, and appears as a white, odourless powder with a mild sweet taste. LOSWIFT™Lactulose exists in multiple isomeric forms, with beta-furanose, beta-pyranose and alpha-furanose being the three predominant configurations, accounting for approximately 74.5%, 15.5% and 10.0% of the total, respectively; no evidence supports the presence of the alpha-pyranose form.
3. Health Benefits and Physiological Functions
Osmotic laxative effect in chronic constipation
Lactulose has served as a laxative since the 1960s and is considered suitable across all age groups, including infants. Treatment of constipation normally starts with dietary measures and increased fibre, osmotic agents being added only if these prove inadequate.
Reduction of blood ammonia and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), or portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE), is a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease in which ammonia clearance fails. LOSWIFT™Lactulose is first-line therapy and works through three complementary mechanisms: colonic acidification, bacterial nitrogen incorporation, and suppression of ammonia-releasing bacterial enzymes.
Inhibition of secondary bile acid formation
The secondary bile acids deoxycholic and lithocholic acid are generated from primary bile acids by colonic bacteria and have been associated with colonic carcinogenesis. By expanding bifidobacteria and lowering luminal pH, LOSWIFT™Lactulose redirects bile acid metabolism in a favourable direction.
Enhancement of mineral absorption
Lactulose enhances intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium and, to a lesser extent, zinc, copper and iron. The calcium effect is intake-dependent and in rats reaches significance only at dietary calcium levels of 0.3% or above.
Prebiotic action and immune modulation
Microbiota Expansion & Barrier Reinforcement
Selective fermentation expands Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations while contracting potentially harmful groups such as Bacteroides, Clostridium and certain E. coli strains, increasing SCFA production and reinforcing the epithelial barrier.
Infant Formula & Dairy Application
In infant formula, 0.5% LOSWIFT™lactulose is regarded as enough for a bifidogenic response, while 1% may add a mild laxative effect without compromising acceptability or shelf stability.
Functional Yogurt & Soymilk
Yogurt sweetened with LOSWIFT™lactulose acts as a gentle laxative and shortens transit, while adding 0.5% LOSWIFT™lactulose to soymilk promotes beneficial bacteria and increases active aglycone conversion.
About the Company
Baolingbao Biology Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 002286)
Core Bioengineering Capabilities
Founded in 1997, Baolingbao is an A-share listed health ingredient manufacturer focusing on enzyme and fermentation engineering, providing prebiotics, dietary fibres, and functional carbohydrates like lactulose built on advanced technology platforms.
Intelligent Manufacturing & Digitalization
Pioneering digital transformation with advanced production lines and smart warehousing systems, Baolingbao utilizes 5G and big data to ensure the consistent purity and batch-to-batch stability required for pharmaceutical and food-grade ingredients.
Contact Us
baolingbao@blb-cn.com
