We found that glucose and lactose, when both present in the gut, can have a synergistic effect on microbial growth. The presence of one nutrient seems to stimulate production of other nutrients by certain bacteria. Understanding this dynamic may help us develop better probiotics for people with diabetes or obesity who often struggle with low levels of stomach acidity due to medications they take or because they are unable to produce enough themselves. This is an exciting new area for future research!
When both glucose and lactose are present
June 9, 2020 by
