Document Detail


Medical, nutritional and technological properties of lactulose. An update.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12420112     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The undigestable disaccharide lactulose has been in medical use for over 40 years, mainly in the treatment of portosystemic encephalopathy and of constipation. Pharmacodynamics of lactulose make it an efficacious and safe drug in these indications. But the reason for its numerous potential benefits are under research now. The major principle of action is the promotion of growth and activity of lactic acid bacteria in the gut which counteract detrimental species such as clostridia or salmonellae. This shows that prebiotic action, if used accordingly, can have medically significant effects. The mechanism of action, medical and prebiotic effects, veterinary uses, and technological properties of lactulose, e. g. in yoghurt production are reviewed.
Authors:
Christian Schumann
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  European journal of nutrition     Volume:  41 Suppl 1     ISSN:  1436-6207     ISO Abbreviation:  Eur J Nutr     Publication Date:  2002 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2002-11-06     Completed Date:  2003-05-20     Revised Date:  2005-11-16    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  100888704     Medline TA:  Eur J Nutr     Country:  Germany    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  I17-25     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Solvay Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Postfach 220, 30002 Hannover, Germany.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism
Carrier State / drug therapy
Constipation / drug therapy,  prevention & control
Endotoxins / antagonists & inhibitors
Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy*,  prevention & control
Hepatic Encephalopathy / drug therapy,  prevention & control
Humans
Intestinal Absorption / drug effects
Lactobacillus / growth & development*
Lactulose / chemistry,  diagnostic use,  physiology*,  therapeutic use
Neoplasms / prevention & control
Salmonella Infections / drug therapy
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Bile Acids and Salts; 0/Endotoxins; 0/Gastrointestinal Agents; 4618-18-2/Lactulose

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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