First, the food industry
Dairy products:
It is one of the important ingredients of infant formula milk powder. It provides energy for infants and young children, while helping to absorb minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and promote the growth and development of infants and young children.
In yogurt, milk and other products, lactose can provide sweetness and nutrition, making the product taste richer.
Used in the production of cheese, lactose is converted to lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria during fermentation, which promotes the curding and ripening of cheese.
Sweets and baked goods:
In the manufacture of candy, lactose is used as a sweetener and filler, giving candy its unique taste and texture. For example, lactose can be used to make creme candies, adding a creamy flavor to the candy.
In baked goods, lactose can improve the fermentation performance of dough, increase the color and taste of bread, cake and other products. It can also promote the Maillard reaction, which gives baked goods an attractive color and flavor.
Drink:
In some functional and nutritional drinks, lactose can be used as an energy source and nutritional supplement. For example, the addition of lactose to sports drinks can provide long-lasting energy for athletes.
In coffee, tea and other drinks, lactose can be used as a seasoning agent to increase the sweetness and taste of the drink.
Second, the field of medicine
Pharmaceutical preparations:
As a drug filler, diluent and adhesive, used in the preparation of tablets, capsules and other dosage forms. Lactose has good fluidity and compressibility, which helps to improve the stability and bioavailability of drugs.
In some sustained-release preparations, lactose can be used as a carrier to control the release speed of the drug and extend the action time of the drug.
Nutritional Supplements:
Used in the production of nutritional supplements, such as lactase supplements. Lactase is an enzyme that can break down lactose, and for people who are lactose intolerant, supplementation with lactase can help them digest lactose containing foods.
Lactose can also be used to produce formulated foods for special medical purposes to provide nutritional support for people with specific diseases.
3. Other areas
Cosmetics:
In cosmetics, lactose can be used as a moisturizer and emollient to keep the skin hydrated and make the skin softer and smoother.
Lactose can also be used in the formulation of cosmetics to improve the texture and stability of products.
Biotechnology:
In the field of biotechnology, lactose can be used as a carbon source and energy source for microbial fermentation. For example, in the process of producing biological products such as antibiotics and enzymes, lactose can be used as one of the components of the medium to promote the growth and metabolism of microorganisms.
Feed industry:
In animal feed, lactose can be used as an energy source and nutritional supplement to improve the growth performance and immunity of animals. For example, adding lactose to piglet feed can improve the survival rate and growth rate of piglets.