Lactulose: a prebiotic, laxative and detoxifying agent

Lactulose (a non-digestible disaccharide) has been in medical use for >50 years and is commonly used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. Depending on the dosage, oral lactulose is effective as a prebiotic, an osmotic laxative or a detoxifying agent. Lactulose also decreases levels of various deleterious elements, especially nitrogen products in patients with chronic kidney disease. According to recent studies, lactulose is also effective in treating post-partum constipation and is safe to use during pregnancy. Because of its various benefits in multiple disorders, the use of lactulose is not limited to only constipation and hepatic encephalopathy.