Lactose: The Most Nutritionally Important Animal-Derived Disaccharide
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4 min read
Over 70% of the world's population experiences some degree of lactose maldigestion in adulthood, yet lactose remains the most nutritionally important animal-derived disaccharide. Found primarily in the milk of mammals, this compound is a crucial energy source for infants and plays a significant role in mineral absorption, gut health, and brain development. Understanding its unique biological functions sheds light on its fundamental importance in nutrition.