Lactulose, or galacto-fructose, is rarely present in nature.
It is an isomerisation product from lactose (galacto-glucose), a natural component of milk.
Lactulose is produced directly from lactose and acts as an energy source for colonic bacteria. It stimulates the growth of bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacilli.

Application:

As a non-digestible carbohydrate lactulose combines different effects to activate natural mechanisms to restore the microbial balance and function of the colon.
Depending on the amount of lactulose it is used as a fibre-like ingredient in food, food supplement and animal feed products or as a mild but effective laxative to treat constipation.
Moreover, in high dosages lactulose is applied to lower blood ammonia levels in patients with liver diseases.