Lactose vs. Lactase — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products that provides energy. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose into simpler sugars for absorption. They are both related to digestion .
Difference Between Lactose and Lactase
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lactose is a type of sugar that naturally occurs in milk and dairy products. It is a disaccharide, meaning it consists of two simpler sugar units bound together. Lactase, on the other hand, is an enzyme produced in the small intestine, responsible for breaking down lactose into its simpler forms: glucose and galactose.
While lactose is an energy-providing nutrient, lactase acts as a catalyst in the digestive process. The purpose of lactase is to ensure that lactose is broken down into absorbable units so that it can be utilized by the body. Without sufficient lactase, lactose remains undigested, leading to digestive issues like lactose intolerance.
The interaction between lactose and lactase is essential for individuals who consume dairy products. Lactose needs to be broken down by lactase to be absorbed efficiently. If there is an absence or lack of lactase, lactose cannot be digested properly, which may result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas.
In summary, lactose and lactase serve complementary but distinct roles in digestion. Lactose is the sugar that needs to be broken down, while lactase is the enzyme that facilitates this breakdown. Their relationship is vital for the proper digestion and absorption of dairy products.
Comparison Chart
Type
Sugar
Enzyme
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Role
Provides energy
Breaks down lactose
Found in
Milk, dairy
Small intestine
Composed of
Glucose and galactose
Protein
Relation to Digestion
Needs to be digested
Facilitates digestion
Compare with Definitions
Lactose
A sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Lactose gives milk its slightly sweet taste.
Lactase
An enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Lactase supplements can help people who are lactose intolerant.
Lactose
Provides energy when consumed.
Lactose contributes to the caloric content of dairy products.
Lactase
Facilitates the absorption of simpler sugars.
Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which are easily absorbed.
Lactose
A disaccharide made of glucose and galactose.
Lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose during digestion.
Lactase
A protein-based enzyme.
Like other enzymes, lactase is a protein that speeds up a specific biochemical reaction.
Lactose
May cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant individuals.
She avoids lactose because it gives her stomach cramps.
Lactase
May be deficient in some individuals, leading to lactose intolerance.
A lack of lactase is the primary reason for lactose intolerance.
Lactose
Needs to be broken down for absorption.
Lactose must be digested into simpler sugars for efficient absorption.
Lactase
Produced in the small intestine.
The small intestine secretes lactase to aid in digestion.
Lactose
Lactose is a disaccharide. It is a sugar composed of galactose and glucose subunits and has the molecular formula C12H22O11.
Lactase
Lactase is an enzyme produced by many organisms. It is located in the brush border of the small intestine of humans and other mammals.
Lactose
A white crystalline disaccharide, C12H22O11, found in milk, that may be hydrolyzed to yield glucose and galactose. Refined lactose obtained from whey is used in infant foods, bakery products, confections, and pharmaceuticals as a diluent and excipient. Also called milk sugar.
Lactase
An enzyme occurring in certain yeasts and in the intestinal juices of mammals and catalyzing the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose.
Lactose
(carbohydrate) The disaccharide sugar of milk and dairy products, C12H22O11, a product of glucose and galactose used as a food and in medicinal compounds.
Lactase
A β-galactosidase enzyme that is involved in the hydrolysis of the disaccharide lactose into constituent galactose and glucose monomers.
Lactose
The main sugar present in milk, called also sugar of milk or milk sugar. When isolated pure it is obtained crystalline; it is separable from the whey by evaporation and crystallization. It is a disaccharide with the formula C12H22O11, being chemically 4-(
Lactase
Any of a group of enzymes (trade name Lactaid) that hydrolyze lactose to glucose and galactose
Lactose
See Galactose.
Lactose
A sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk;
Cow's milk contains about 4.7% lactose
Common Curiosities
What is lactase?
Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose.
What does lactose provide?
Lactose provides energy when consumed.
What does lactase do?
Lactase breaks down lactose into simpler sugars for absorption.
hat is lactose?
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Where is lactase produced?
Lactase is produced in the small intestine.
Where is lactose found?
Lactose is found in milk and dairy products.
How does lactose affect lactose-intolerant people?
In lactose-intolerant individuals, lactose can cause digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea.
What happens if you don't have enough lactase?
Insufficient lactase can lead to lactose intolerance.
Is lactose a simple sugar?
No, lactose is a disaccharide, composed of glucose and galactose.
Is lactase a protein?
Yes, lactase is a protein-based enzyme.
Can you take lactase supplements?
Yes, lactase supplements can help digest lactose if you're lactose intolerant.
Is lactose bad for you?
Lactose is not inherently bad, but some people cannot digest it well.
Is lactase only found in humans?
No, lactase is also found in some other mammals.
Can lactase break down anything other than lactose?
Lactase is specific to lactose and doesn't significantly affect other sugars.
What's the primary difference between lactose and lactase?
The primary difference is their role in digestion: lactose needs to be broken down, while lactase does the breaking down.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
