Lactose

/ˈlæk.toʊs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sugar present in milk and dairy products, consisting of one glucose and one galactose molecule.

Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in milk.

A disaccharide that is broken down in the body by the enzyme lactase.

People who are lactose intolerant have difficulty digesting lactose.

A common additive in processed foods that contain dairy.

Many processed foods, even those that are not dairy-based, can contain lactose.

A source of energy for certain bacteria in the intestines.

In some gut bacteria, lactose serves as a fermentable carbohydrate.

From the Latin 'lac' meaning 'milk' and the suffix '-ose' used to denote sugars.

lactose intolerance

A condition in which the body cannot easily digest lactose.

lactose-free

Products that have been processed to remove lactose.

lactase

An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.

dairy

Food products made from milk, which contains lactose.

Lactose bomb

I just had a lactose bomb for breakfast with that cream cheese!

Dairy demon

I can't eat ice cream; my lactose sensitivity turns me into a dairy demon.