Lactulose-13C (CAS 4618-18-2 (unlabeled))

Lactulose-13C is a chemically labeled variant of lactulose, a synthetic disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose, in which the carbon atoms have been enriched with the stable isotope carbon-13 (13C). This isotopic enhancement greatly facilitates its use as a tracer in scientific research, specifically in studies examining carbohydrate metabolism and the impact of dietary sugars on the human microbiome. Lactulose is not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract due to the absence of enzymes required to split its glycosidic bond; instead, it reaches the colon intact where it acts as a substrate for fermentation by colonic bacteria. The utilization of Lactulose-13C allows researchers to trace the metabolic pathways utilized by gut microbiota to ferment lactulose, shedding light on the production of various metabolic byproducts such as short-chain fatty acids and gases, which are significant for understanding gut microbial dynamics and their influence on host metabolism. Additionally, this specific labeling enables more precise measurement of transit times and bacterial growth rates within the gut, providing valuable insights into the interactions between diet, microbiota, and host health.