Lactose is primarily what type of compound in milk?

Lactose is primarily classified as a carbohydrate in milk. It is a disaccharide, made up of two simpler sugars: glucose and galactose. Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients vital for energy in nutrition, and lactose serves as the primary sugar found in dairy products. Its presence in milk provides energy and is the reason why many dairy products have a slightly sweet taste.

The distinction of lactose as a carbohydrate is crucial for understanding dietary implications, especially for individuals who may be lactose intolerant, meaning they may have difficulty digesting this particular sugar. This leads to various symptoms when lactose is consumed.

The other options, such as protein, fat, and mineral, represent different components of milk but do not include lactose, making the classification of lactose specifically as a carbohydrate essential in the context of milk's composition and its nutritional value.