Lactosucrose

Lactosucrose is a trisaccharide (three-sugar molecule) composed of galactose, glucose, and fructose linked by glycosidic bonds. It functions as a prebiotic, selectively feeding beneficial gut bacteria (particularly Bifidobacteria). NO GRADED OUTCOMES - limited research. Similar in concept to FOS (fructooligosaccharides) and GOS (galactooligosaccharides) as a prebiotic fiber. Found in small amounts in some foods; also manufactured for use in functional foods and supplements. May support gut health and mineral absorption. Generally well-tolerated; excess may cause gas and bloating as with other prebiotics.

Quick Answer

What it is

Lactosucrose is a trisaccharide (three-sugar molecule) composed of galactose, glucose, and fructose linked by glycosidic bonds. It functions as a prebiotic, selectively feeding beneficial gut bacteria (particularly Bifidobacteria).

Key findings

  • Grade C: Gut Microbiota Composition
  • Grade C: Calcium Absorption
  • Grade D: Allergic IgE Response

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Lactosucrose

Quick Facts: Lactosucrose

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Bone Health
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C2
D3
2 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Gut Microbiota Composition
An uncontrolled clinical study in 7 IBD patients found significant increases in Bifidobacterium and reductions in Bacteroidaceae after 2 weeks of lactosucrose supplementation. A 96-week RCT (n=17) in young women confirmed sustained beneficial changes in fecal pH and short-chain fatty acid profiles. Animal studies in broiler chickens (n=16) and cats (n=8) consistently demonstrate increased Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli with concurrent reductions in putrefactive bacteria (Clostridia, Enterobacteriaceae), fecal ammonia, and indole.
moderateImproves
D
IBD Symptom Improvement
An uncontrolled case series in 7 patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (2 Crohn's, 5 ulcerative colitis) found lactosucrose supplementation for 2 weeks significantly increased fecal Bifidobacterium counts and decreased Bacteroidaceae. Bowel movement improvement was observed in 4 of 7 patients, with improvements in fecal pH, short-chain fatty acids, putrid products, and urinary indican levels. No controlled human trials available.
smallImproves
D
Depression Symptoms
A 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 20 outpatients with depressive episodes found lactosucrose did not significantly improve MADRS depression scores versus placebo. However, self-efficacy tended to improve in the treatment group with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.802). Microbiome analysis showed individual-level differences in diversity changes. The study was underpowered and the primary endpoint was negative.
smallImproves
C
Calcium Absorption
A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 96-week trial in 17 healthy young women found that 12 g/day lactosucrose significantly reduced fecal calcium excretion and increased apparent calcium absorption and retention compared to placebo. Magnesium and phosphorus absorption were also improved. Effects were maintained throughout the long treatment period.
smallImproves
D
Allergic IgE Response
In OVA-sensitized mice, dietary lactosucrose supplementation produced dose-dependent suppression of anti-ovalbumin IgE responses. Lactosucrose inhibited antigen-specific IgE and IgG1 production even after a second immunization, while splenocytes showed reduced IL-4 and IL-5 production and augmented IL-10 production, suggesting a Th1/Th2 rebalancing effect. No human data available.
moderateImproves

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