The prebiotic potential of lactulose: A review

Synbiotic foods containing both probiotics and prebiotics have got wide acceptance owing to its health benefits. Lactulose one of the established prebiotic substances is derived by isomerization of the lactose. Lactulose is commonly called as ‘bifidus factor’ as it enhances the growth of the Bifidobacterium spp. Apart from enhancing the growth of probiotic strains, lactulose is also used in treatment of constipation, detoxifying agent at higher doses. Lactulose is reported to possess many health benefits including antidiabetic activity, preventing systemic endotoxemia, anti-carcinogenic activity, preventing the growth of pathogens.