Milk Fat: Lactose

Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is a disaccharide, meaning it is made of two simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, linked together.

Lactose contributes to the sweetness and texture of dairy products. In processed foods, it can be used as a mild sweetener, to improve texture, and to aid in browning during baking. It is commonly found in milk, yogurt, cheese, and some confectionery.

Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar in milk. Many people, particularly as they age, have difficulty digesting lactose due to a lack of the enzyme lactase in their small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating and discomfort; this condition is known as lactose intolerance. The FDA does not regulate lactose as a food additive, but as a component of milk. JECFA and EFSA have not evaluated lactose as a food additive, as it is a natural constituent of milk.