There is many people often confused on"ALU" and "FCC" for lactase , but they are fundamentally different.
FCC is an abbreviation in the U.S. Food Chemicals Codex, it is not a product specification, but rather the authoritative quality standard for food-grade enzyme (including lactase). It stipulates the quality, purity, and safety standards (such as heavy metal and microbial limits) of lactase, and provides official testing methods. It is the industry's "rule setter," ensuring a unified global benchmark for lactase quality.
ALU, full name is "acid lactose unit," is a specific unit for measuring lactase activity.
According to FCC standards, 1 ALU refers to the amount of enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose to produce 1 micromole of glucose per minute at pH 4.5 and 37°C. For example, "100,000 ALU/g" represents the activity intensity per gram of lactase, it is a key factor in determining cost-effectiveness during procurement.
The relationship of FCC and ALU
The FCC specifies the testing methods for ALU, and ALU is the activity result measured according to FCC rules. Without FCC (Fulfilled Compliance Standard), ALU (Alcoholic Components) from different manufacturers is incomparable; with FCC, there is a unified standard for lactase trade.
When purchasing lactase, it is necessary to pay attention to both "compliance with FCC standards" (ensuring quality) and "ALU value" (matching requirements) to avoid being scammed.
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