Lactose refers to the sugar in milk.
Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in milk and milk products. It is a disaccharide, which means that it is composed of two smaller sugar molecules (glucose and galactose) that are linked together. In the body, lactose is broken down by the enzyme lactase into its component sugars, which can then be absorbed and used for energy.
Lactose may be mentioned or studied in the psychology context in relation to its role in nutrition and health. For example, lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to properly digest lactose, and it can cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some people may be lactose intolerant due to genetics, while others may develop lactose intolerance later in life due to factors such as illness or the use of certain medications.
Examples of lactose in the psychology context include:
- The role of lactose in nutrition and the provision of energy to the body
- The effects of lactose intolerance on dietary intake and health
- The use of lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk products as a dietary option for people with lactose intolerance.
Psychologists and other mental health professionals may study the role of lactose in nutrition and health in order to understand its effects on the body and to explore ways in which lactose intolerance can be managed or treated.