Lactose

Brief Overview

Lactose is a type of sugar which is generally found in milk. Lactose is composed of simple sugar galactose and bonded with another glucose. This substance is used in food as a sweetener and stabilizer. In addition, it can also be used as filler in food and easily mixed with numerous ingredients. The physical appearance of this substance is a dry, pale-yellow powder with a slightly sweet taste and smells similar to milk. Furthermore, lactose powder has a long shelf life, is highly affordable, and is widely available.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process consists of several steps. The ingredient, bovine milk whey, is evaporated to reduce the water content and crystalized to create small suspension particles. The mixture was then washed with water and centrifuged to separate the solid from the mother liquor. The solid then underwent several processes and finally yielded the refined lactose for food industry grade.

Food Industry 

Lactose is used a lot in the food industry. Lactose is used as a filling for bakery and confectionary products such as bread, cookies, cereals, and pancakes. Lactose can prevent discolouration in frozen and canned products such as soups, dehydrated potatoes, and meal replacement supplements. It is also one of the ingredients for infant formula. 

Feed Industry 

Lactose is one of the main ingredients for pig feed. 

Pharmaceutical Industry 

In the pharmaceutical industry, lactose is used as a drug coating agent, filler in tablets, and the powdered dosage form in inhalers. Lactose is also used as a sports nutrition and dietary supplement.