University of Ljubljana Reports Findings in Lactulose Therapy [Review of history and mechanisms of action of lactulose (4-O-b-D-Galactopyranosyl-b-D-fructofuranose): present and future applications in food].

A recent report from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia discusses the history and mechanisms of action of lactulose therapy, a synthetic disaccharide used in functional foods like confectionery and beverages. Lactulose acts as a selective modulator of bacterial growth in the colon, generating organic acids that lower pH and act as an osmotic laxative. With over 60 years of safe use, lactulose is considered an ideal ingredient for prebiotic functional foods, offering technological properties that allow for the development of candy and beverages similar to those made with sucrose. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the potential applications of lactulose in food products. [Extracted from the article]