Improved parameters of lactose maldigestion using lactulose.

Lactulose is a disaccharide derived from lactose. There has been recent rekindling of interest in the possible benefits of pro- and prebiotics: mainly, lactic acid-producing bacteria and lactulose for the lower intestine. Since lactose maldigestion is a common genetic trait, we undertook this study to delineate similar effects between these two disaccharides. Nine healthy lactose maldigesting subjects underwent two separate periods of three weeks adaptation, first with 10 g twice daily lactulose and then 1.5 g twice daily lactose (in milk). Adaptation was defined by reduced breath Hydrogen (BH2) and symptoms after 50 g lactose challenges. In six subjects fecal beta-galactosidase was measured. All subjects consumed some lactose daily. In the first period, eight subjects improved symptoms and reduced BH2 significantly, while in the second period they did not. Fecal beta-galactosidase significantly increased after lactulose. This study supports the notion that lactulose and lactose may have similar clinical effects.