Lactulose is not digested in the small intestine and passes to the colon unchanged. There it is used as an energy source by colonic bacteria.
The main effects of this fermentation process are a drop of the pH in the colon and a favourable change in composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal flora.
Mode of action
Lactulose acts as a kind of soluble fibre combining three effects to activate natural mechanisms to restore the microbial balance and function of the colon.
The different natural effects of lactulose are:
• Increased colonic bacterial growth
• Increased stool volume
• Peristaltic activation
Due to its established beneficial effects, lactulose is used as a food and feed ingredient to support the colonic flora as well as a medicinal product to alleviate bowel movements.