Lactose and sucrose each stimulate hepatic de novo lipogenesis: A randomized crossover trial.
Am J Clin NutrAug 25, 2026 (epub)
Steven Carter, Bruno Spellanzon, Elspeth Johnson et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized crossover trial evaluated the effects of lactose on hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in 24 adults without obesity. Results showed that lactose ingestion significantly increased plasma triacylglycerol incremental area under the curve (iAUC) to 1.63 ± 1.47 mmol·L ‒1 ·360 min and hepatic DNL to 22% ± 4%, comparable to sucrose's effects.
Key findings
- Lactose ingestion increased plasma triacylglycerol iAUC to 1.63 ± 1.47 mmol·L ‒1 ·360 min compared to 0.85 ± 1.13 mmol·L ‒1 ·360 min for maltodextrin.
- Hepatic DNL after lactose ingestion was 22% ± 4%, significantly higher than maltodextrin's 11% ± 3%.
- The effects of lactose on DNL were statistically indistinguishable from those of sucrose.
Why it matters
Understanding the metabolic effects of lactose is crucial, as it challenges the notion that galactose-containing sugars are metabolically similar to glucose-based carbohydrates, potentially influencing dietary recommendations and management of lipid metabolism.