New Developments in Low Lactose Analysis
Get a closer look how the Eurofins Food Chemistry team in Madison, WI is addressing testing challenges for low level lactose foods & infant formula.
The prevalence of lactose intolerance is widespread among many cultures. Almost 68% of the human population has some reduced ability to digest lactose1. Lactose is a sugar and referred to as a disaccharide that is composed of glucose and galactose. It is found in foods or supplements that are dairy based or contain dairy based ingredients. The ability to digest lactose is dependent upon the production of the enzyme called lactase within the small intestine. The production of this enzyme is based on the genetics of the individual. Most infants can produce lactase, but then expression of these genes decrease as they grow into adulthood called lactase non persistence. Humans have evolved over time to develop the ability to produce lactase into adulthood called lactase persistence, which has been linked to European origins thousands of years ago2. The inability to digest lactose is commonly found in individuals from certain regions of the world where these genetics were not introduced or evolved based on diet. The level of lactose intolerance can vary depending upon the foods and concentrations of lactose. In rare cases, infants can also express lactose intolerance from birth called congenital lactase deficiency.
The side effects of lactose intolerance results in varying digestive symptoms that are both uncomfortable and inconvenient. The impacts from diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and present a challenge for infants to absorb nutrients effectively. The ability to control the amount of lactose in food and supplements has been a priority for many years, but the Food and Drug Administration currently does not have a defined limit for lactose free products. The guidance states that lactose must not be present, so manufacturers are dependent upon the level of detection for analytical methods, and this can vary across methods for sensitivity and specificity. However, some European countries do have defined limits for lactose free such as 100 mg/kg in Scandinavian countries and even higher at 1000 mg/kg in eastern European countries. The AOAC has been working on providing methods for low lactose and lactose free that can be used by manufacturers and the scientific community to assess their products. The standard method performance requirements set for limit of quantitation in these methods was set at 100 mg/kg in dairy products or products containing dairy, and 50 mg/kg for infant formula on a ready to feed basis.
Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison, Inc. has recently optimized our High-Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography method for low lactose determination to improve upon the accuracy and specificity obtained across a variety of different product types when quantifying at low concentrations. The method covers dairy products, products containing dairy ingredients, and infant formulas. The separation is carried out on the latest ion chromatographic carbohydrate column technology with a reduced particle size compared to typical anion exchange carbohydrate specific columns. This provides an improvement in chromatographic resolution and has superior sensitivity and enhanced accuracy at the level of quantitation of 20 mg/kg, which is important when working with complex chromatography from dairy based products.
The ability to measure concentrations well below any current regulatory guideline containing a defined concentration limit as well as the established AOAC standard method performance requirements for lactose free or low lactose in marketed dairy products can provide you the confidence and control that’s required in the product lifecycle from manufacturing to consumer shelves. Method capability is the limiting factor in lactose free claims, and the Eurofins method is on the leading edge to assist versus as any other available method. It can provide accuracy in the presence of products that contain an active lactase, and additionally can mitigate any positive bias in samples exhibiting an unexpected interfering response around the retention time of lactose using additional enzymatic treatment for accurate quantification.
Reach out today to discuss with our experts on how the new low lactose method offered by Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison, Inc. can provide you with the confidence you need on your low lactose or lactose free product.
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Meet the Author
David Ellingson
Director of Scientific Strategy, Nutrients Laboratory
Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison, Inc.
David Ellingson is the Director of Scientific Strategy responsible for spearheading scientific initiatives for method development, process enhancement, and automation within the Nutrient Business Unit. David has spent nearly 18 years with Eurofins and began as a chemist in the Special Analysis team, transitioning to method development. His adeptness in introducing novel methodologies and modernizing processes across various units, including Special Analysis, Vitamins, Inorganics, and Nutrients, has been instrumental in Eurofins' scientific evolution.
Having served in many different roles, such as the Global Analyte Leader for Special Analysis and Vitamins, and more recently, as the Technical Manager for the Nutrients team, David has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise.
His active engagement with esteemed scientific organizations, notably the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC), spanning 15 years, showcases his commitment to advancing scientific methodologies. David's collaborative efforts on numerous method developments and publications have significantly reinforced our commitment within the scientific community.
David's strong expertise in Ion Chromatography applications and carbohydrate chemistry has been pivotal in enhancing Eurofins' analytical capabilities, particularly in carbohydrate analysis. Notably, his recent contributions led to the development of the groundbreaking Sugar Profile by IC method, recognized as the Official AOAC Final Action Method in 2022.
References
1. 1doi: 10.1016/S24681253(17)301541
2. 2doi: 10.1038/s41586022050107
