Microbiome Modulator

Lactosucrose

4G-beta-D-galactosylsucrose

Evidence TierCWADA NOT PROHIBITED

tuneTypical Dose

6-12

watchEffect Window

Weeks for GI fermentation changes. Months for mineral-balance outcomes.

check_circleCompliance

WADA NOT PROHIBITED

Overview

Clinical Summary

Lactosucrose is a prebiotic trisaccharide with its best human signal in calcium absorption, while mood evidence remains negative or inconclusive.

Human studies show bifidogenic effects and selected benefits for calcium handling or bowel outcomes, with overall evidence still moderate. Start with lower doses and increase only as tolerated.

Fermentable prebiotic that increases SCFA production and can improve mineral absorption through colonic environment changes.

Outcomes

What This Is Expected To Influence

Primary Outcomes

  • Calcium absorption and retention support
  • Prebiotic fermentation profile improvement

Secondary Outcomes

  • Potential self-efficacy signal in depression (not primary endpoint-positive)
  • Stool-pattern modulation in multi-ingredient enteral contexts (low attribution certainty)

Safety

Contraindications and Interactions

Contraindications

  • Severe intolerance to fermentable oligosaccharides
  • Active severe diarrhea
  • Unsupervised use in tightly controlled enteral protocols

Side effects

  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Loose stools

Interactions

  • Additive GI effects with other prebiotics/fibers
  • Potential bowel-habit effects that alter medication timing tolerance
  • May compound laxative-related stool loosening

Avoid if

  • Marked FODMAP sensitivity without titration plan
  • Ongoing severe GI flare
  • Inability to monitor tolerance and stool changes

Evidence

Study-level References

lactosucrose-SRC-001Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Sourceopen_in_new

Teramoto F, et al. Long-term administration of 4G-beta-D-galactosylsucrose (lactosucrose) enhances intestinal calcium absorption in young women: a randomized, placebo-controlled 96-week study. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2006;52(5):337-346. doi:10.3177/jnsv.52.337. PMID:17190104.

Population: 17 healthy young women

Dose protocol: Lactosucrose 6 g twice daily vs placebo for 92 weeks plus 4-week follow-up

Key findings: Improved calcium balance and favorable fecal fermentation profile

Notes: Small sample and single-blind design

Paper content

Improved calcium balance and favorable fecal fermentation profile

lactosucrose-SRC-002Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Sourceopen_in_new

Tarutani S, et al. Effects of 4G-beta-D-Galactosylsucrose in patients with depression: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study. J Psychiatr Res. 2022;148:110-120. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.059. PMID:35123322

Population: 20 outpatients with depressive episodes

Dose protocol: Lactosucrose vs placebo for 24 weeks

Key findings: No significant change in primary depression endpoint

Notes: Small pilot-like sample, underpowered for moderate effects

Paper content

No significant change in primary depression endpoint

lactosucrose-SRC-003Double-blind randomized comparative trial
Sourceopen_in_new

Fushimi N, et al. Effects of two different glutamine-containing enteral supplements on stool frequency and density in elderly patients recovering from acute critical illness. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2017;17(12):2514-2519. doi:10.1111/ggi.13121. PMID:28675566

Population: 22 elderly inpatients recovering from critical illness

Dose protocol: Two glutamine-containing formulas with differing additive compositions including oligosaccharides

Key findings: Stool outcomes differed by product composition

Notes: Multi-ingredient intervention prevents lactosucrose-specific attribution

Paper content

Stool outcomes differed by product composition

Guides

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