乳糖:Thesugarfoundinmilk.Lactoseis a largesugarmoleculethat is made up of two smaller sugar molecules,glucoseandgalactose. In order for lactose to be absorbed from theintestineand into the body, it must first be split into glucose and galactose. The glucose and galactose are then absorbed by the cells lining thesmall intestine. Theenzymethat splits lactose into glucose and galactose is calledlactase, and it is located on the surface of the cells lining the small intestine.
Lactose intolerance is a common medicalconditionthat results in diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas (flatulence) and is caused by reduced or absent activity of enzyme lactase. When there is a deficiency of lactase, the lactose in the intestine cannot be split for digestion.
