Question

Commercial uses of lactose are -
A. In infant food.
B. In caramel or fudges.
C. In solid pharmaceutical preparations such as pills and tablets.
D. In manufacturing whey proteins.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Think of lactose as a versatile byproduct. It's a nutrient for infant formula, a texturizer and browning agent in food, and a cheap, inert filler for medicine tablets.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the correct commercial applications of lactose, which is the sugar extracted from milk whey.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each statement:
A. In infant food: This is a major use. Cow's milk has less lactose than human milk. So, lactose is added to infant formula based on cow's milk to adjust the carbohydrate level to be closer to that of human breast milk. This statement is correct.
B. In caramel or fudges: Lactose has low solubility and crystallizes into small crystals, which contributes to the texture of some confections. It also participates in the Maillard browning reaction, contributing to color and flavor in baked goods and caramel. This statement is correct.
C. In solid pharmaceutical preparations...: Lactose is widely used as an excipient (an inert filler or binder) in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture tablets and capsules due to its inertness, good compressibility, and low cost. This statement is correct.
D. In manufacturing whey proteins: This statement is incorrect. Whey proteins are manufactured from whey, which is a solution of lactose, whey proteins, and minerals. To produce whey protein concentrate (WPC) or isolate (WPI), lactose is removed from the whey using processes like ultrafiltration. Lactose is a co-product of whey protein manufacturing, not an ingredient used in it.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct commercial uses of lactose are in infant food, confectionery, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, statements A, B, and C are correct.