Characterization of crystalline forms of gaxilose, a diagnostic drug.

Lactose intolerance is a pathology caused by lactase enzyme deficiency, usually produced in the intestinal cells provoking symptoms as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas and nausea. Gaxilose, 4-O-β-D galactopyranosyl-d-xylose, is used as a diagnostic drug for a non-invasive method for hypolactasia diagnosis. To date, no definitive guide for identifying gaxilose and distinguishing between crystalline forms is available.