Systematic review: Diagnosis, treatment and management strategies of lactose intolerance

Lactose, a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, plays a pivotal role in the nutritional physiology of mammals, particularly during infancy. This thesis explores the comprehensive biochemical pathways involved in lactose metabolism and synthesis, highlighting its significance in both health and disease. The study begins by examining lactose synthesis within the mammary glands, where lactose synthase catalyzes the formation of lactose from glucose and UDP-galactose during lactation. The metabolic breakdown of lactose in the small intestine, facilitated by the enzyme lactase, is essential for the absorption of its constituent monosaccharides, glucose, and galactose, into the bloodstream. The thesis also delves into lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by a deficiency in lactase activity, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms upon the ingestion of lactose-containing foods. This condition's prevalence and its impact on dietary choices and nutritional health are analyzed, with particular attention to the genetic and environmental factors that influence lactase persistence in different populations. Furthermore, the study discusses the broader applications of lactose in the food and pharmaceutical industries, emphasizing its role as an excipient in drug formulations and as a functional ingredient in various food products. The thesis concludes by considering the potential health implications of lactose consumption and the strategies for managing lactose intolerance, offering insights into the evolving understanding of lactose in human nutrition and metabolism.