Lactose is a carbohydrate and contributes approximately 4 calories per gram. Lactose
does not contribute any other nutrients to the diet; however, it stimulates the intestinal
absorption of calcium, independent of the presence of vitamin D. Because digestion of
lactose is much slower than that of glucose or sucrose, lactose is considered relatively safe
for diabetics. It does not cause a sharp increase in blood glucose levels like other
sweeteners, giving it a nutritional advantage in the diabetic diet.