Lactulose; a Derivative of Lactose Used To Treat or Prevent Hepatic Encephalopathy and Constipation
Lactulose is a synthetic, non-absorbable sugar used in the treatment or prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (a nervous system disorder caused by severe liver disease) and constipation. It is broken down in the large intestine into mild acids that draw water into the colon, which helps soften the stools. Lactulose, also known as 1,4 beta galactoside-fructose, is made up of fructose and galactose. It is a colonic acidifier which works in the blood by reducing the amount of ammonia. In short, lactulose is a remedy made from man-made sugar. It is also used to maintain insulin level and blood glucose level. Lactulose comes as a sweet syrup and is available on prescription and to buy from pharmacies. It is an oral solution for the treatment of constipation. Thus, there is an increasing demand for lactulose worldwide. This is attributed to modern lifestyle, improper eating habits among population, and consumption of processed foods and fast foods, whose adverse effect on health are a...