Lactose as a source for lactulose and other functional lactose derivatives

Many kinds of lactose derivatives can be obtained using various methods, including epimerization, oxidation and reduction. Investigations of the beneficial functions of lactose derivatives developed have resulted in them being put into practical use in numerous fields. In particular, lactulose, galacto-oligosaccharide and lactitol are used in foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals, and new lactose derivatives such as epilactose and tagatose have also recently received attention. Various physiological effects that lactulose exerts have been studied, including the beneficial promotion of bifidobacteria proliferation in the intestine. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.