Which carbohydrate is primarily found in milk?

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in milk. It is a disaccharide sugar composed of two monosaccharides, glucose and galactose. Lactose is unique to mammalian milk, providing not only a source of energy for infants but also playing a role in calcium absorption. When consumed, lactose can be broken down by the enzyme lactase into its constituent sugars, which are then utilized by the body.

Understanding lactose's presence in milk is crucial, especially in discussions about lactose intolerance, a condition where individuals have difficulty digesting lactose due to low levels of lactase. This can lead to digestive issues when consuming dairy products.

While sucrose, fructose, and glucose are other carbohydrates, they are not the main components in milk. Sucrose, commonly found in table sugar, is not present in significant quantities in milk. Fructose is predominantly found in fruits, and glucose, although it is part of lactose, is not the primary form of carbohydrate in milk. Therefore, the choice of lactose as the primary carbohydrate in milk is accurate and necessary for understanding both the nutritional content of dairy and its impact on human health.