Benders'dictionary of nutrition and food technology

272the flavour of fermented milk and for the precipitation of thecasein curd in cottage cheese. Also produced by fermentationin silage, pickling, sauerkraut, cocoa, tobacco; its value here isin suppressing the growth of unwanted organisms.It is formed in mammalian muscle under conditions ofmaximum exertion (see glucose metabolism) and by metabolismof glycogen in meat immediately after death of the animal.Lactic acid in muscle was at one time known as sarcolactic acid.Used as an acidulant in sugar confectionery, soft drinks, picklesand sauces. (E-270; salts of lactic acid are E-325–327.)lactic acid, buffered A mixture of lactic acid and sodium lactateused in sugar confectionery to provide an acid taste withoutinversion of the sugar, which occurs at lower pH.lactitol sugar alcohol derived from lactulose. Not digested bydigestive enzymes but fermented by intestinal bacteria to shortchainfatty acids, some of which are absorbed; it yields about8kJ (2 kcal)/g and hence has a potential use as a low-calorie bulksweetener; also retards crystallisation and improves moistureretention in foods (E-966). Because of bacterial fermentation inthe colon, it is also used as an osmotic laxative. Also known aslactit, lactositol, lactobiosit.Lactobacillus Genus of bacteria capable of growth in acidicmedium, and producing lactic acid by fermentation of carbohydrates.Responsible for souring of milk, and production offlavour in yogurt and other fermented milk products.See also probiotics.Lactobacillus casei factor Obsolete name for folic acid.lactobiose See lactose.lactobiosit See lactitol.lactochrome Obsolete name for riboflavin (vitamin b 2 ).lactoferrin Iron–protein complex in human milk (only a trace incow’s milk), only partly saturated with iron; has a role inhibitingthe growth of E. coli and other potentially pathogenic organisms.lactoflavin Obsolete name for riboflavin (vitamin b 2 ), so namedbecause it was isolated from milk.lactogen A drug or other substance that increases the productionand secretion of milk. Lactogenic hormone is prolactin.lactoglobulin See lactalbumin.lactometer Floating device used to measure the specific gravityof milk (1.027–1.035).Lac-tone TM Protein-rich baby food (26% protein) made in Indiafrom peanut flour, skim milk powder, wheat flour and barleyflour with added vitamins and calcium.lacto-ovo-vegetarian One whose diet excludes animal foods (i.e.flesh) but permits milk and eggs.