"Lactose" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It is a disaccharide, composed of glucose and galactose molecules. Lactose is broken down into these simpler sugars by the enzyme lactase in the gut, and is then absorbed by the body. Some people, known as lactose intolerant, do not have this enzyme and are unable to digest lactose, which can cause symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.
Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme produced by milk and other milk-producing animals. It is a type of peroxidase, a family of enzymes that use hydrogen peroxide to catalyze various chemical reactions. Lactoperoxidase is involved in the antibacterial defense of milk, particularly against certain types of bacteria. It converts the milk's indigenous hydrogen peroxide into hypohalous acid, which has antimicrobial properties that help to protect the milk from spoilage and contamination.