Lactose dosage

Lactose testing measures the content of this natural disaccharide found in milk and dairy products. This analysis is essential for food, nutraceutical, and formulated products, particularly those intended for people with lactose intolerance. It is also used to verify the compliance of products labeled "lactose-free" or "reduced lactose."

Performed by HPLC , enzymatic or polarimetry , lactose analysis provides a precise evaluation of the carbohydrate profile of samples and guarantees the nutritional and regulatory quality of formulations.

Lactose: a key sugar in food control

Lactose (CAS No. 63-42-3) is a sugar naturally present in mammalian milk. It is composed of one glucose molecule and one galactose molecule linked by a β-1,4-glycosidic bond. In humans, its digestion depends on the lactase enzyme, a partial or total deficiency of which leads to lactose intolerance , causing digestive problems.

To address this issue, numerous "lactose-free" or low-lactose products have emerged on the market. The lactose content then becomes a crucial indicator for:

• to certify the absence or reduction of lactose in the finished products,
• to control the quality of fermented, hydrolyzed or enriched dairy products,
• verify the compliance of nutritional claims,
• evaluate the performance of enzymatic processes for lactose degradation (β-galactosidase).

Objectives and measured parameters

Lactose testing allows us to:

• quantify the residual lactose content in milk, cheese, yogurt, fortified plant-based drinks or supplements,
• to control the carbohydrate composition of finished products,
• detect any traces of lactose in formulations declared "lactose-free",
• check the purity and composition of the sugars used in the ingredients or excipients.

The analysis can be performed in a wide range of matrices: milks, drinks, protein powders, baby food, nutritional supplements, fermented products, animal feed or plant extracts.

Analytical methods used

Lactose analysis relies on different analytical approaches chosen according to the nature of the matrix and the required precision:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : the reference method for the separation and quantification of simple sugars and disaccharides. Suitable for complex matrices, it allows the differentiation of lactose from glucose, galactose, and other sugars present.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : ultra-sensitive method used for the detection of traces of lactose in "lactose free" formulations.
• Enzymatic methods : based on the enzymatic conversion of lactose into glucose and galactose, then on the colorimetric or spectrophotometric measurement of the glucose formed.
• Polarimetry : used for quick routine checks in simple products, by measuring the specific optical rotation of sugar.

YesWeLab also offers complementary analyses for studying the carbohydrate profile of food products, such as glucose , fructose, and sucrose levels . These services provide a complete map of the sugars present in your formulations.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Lactose testing is relevant to several sectors:

• Food industry : control of lactose content in dairy products, chocolates, pastries, drinks, nutritional powders and infant foods.
• Nutraceuticals : verification of residual lactose content in food supplements containing excipients of dairy origin.
• Animal nutrition : quantification of lactose in powdered milks and formulations intended for young animals.
• Pharmaceutical industry : control of lactose as an excipient in solid formulations (tablets, capsules, oral powders).

Lactose analysis can be combined with other services from the YesWeLab catalogue, such as total sugar assay , glycemic index measurement , or enzymatic glucose analysis, in order to link the carbohydrate composition to the metabolic response of the products.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts lactose analysis to partner laboratories specializing in chromatographic and enzymatic analyses. These laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and spectrophotometric systems, guaranteeing the reliability and reproducibility of measurements, even at trace levels.

The majority of partners are certified or accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard and the COFRAC reference framework, guaranteeing the conformity and traceability of results.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists manufacturers in selecting the most suitable analysis method for their samples: dairy products, beverages, supplements, or ingredients. Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, analysis management is fast and transparent: online quotes, sample tracking, and secure delivery of analysis reports.

Since 2020, many food manufacturers, nutraceuticals and distributors have trusted YesWeLab for quality control and compliance of their carbohydrate products.

Technical data

• CAS No.: 63-42-3
• Methods: HPLC, LC-MS/MS, enzymatic, polarimetry
• Expertise: Physicochemical, nutritional
• Sectors of activity: Human food, nutraceuticals, animal nutrition, plants
• Measured parameters: Lactose and associated sugars (glucose, galactose)

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical advice tailored to your food formulations or supplements.