Effects of A2 Milk on Gastrointestinal Function in Non-lactose Milk Intolerance

Non-lactose milk intolerance is a condition that has not been defined clinically yet but the current literature reports existence of subjects who are moderately milk intolerant and whose intolerance can neither be attributed to a defect in lactose intolerance, nor to milk protein allergy. Yet, they experience at least one or two of the following symptoms following milk consumption: gases, bloating, abdominal cramp. It is known that the A1gene variant coding for beta-casein leads to the production of a bioactive peptide with opioid activity named betacasomorphin 7 (BCM7). This peptide has been associated with several metabolic health disorders including diabetes, elevated cardiovascular risk and stimulation of pro-inflammatory signals. Recently, it was reported that non-lactose milk intolerant subjects did not experience such symptoms when consuming milk containing the non-mutated A2 gene variant coding for beta-casein. In this study, we hypothesise that consumption of A2 milk will improve gastrointestinal symptoms in non-lactose milk intolerant individuals. The primary outcome of this study will be the reduction of gastrointestinal inflammation following a course of A2 milk consumption.

Inclusion criteria

• BMI: 20-35kg/m2
• Glucose<7mmol/l (not diagnosed with diabetes)
• Total cholesterol<7mmol/l
• Triacylglycerol<4mmol/l
• Normal liver and kidney function
• Regular milk drinker with self-reported intolerance to commercial milk.
• Suffered from mild to moderate digestive discomfort after milk consumption.
• Have normal blood pressure 120/80 mmHg (BP <160/90 mmHg can be accepted) during quiet respiration.
• Agree not to take any medication, supplements and other dairy products including acidophilus milk
• Be willing to comply with all the requirements and procedures of the study.
• Agree to sign the informed consent form;
• Agree not to enrol in another interventional clinical research study while participating in this study.
• Fully understand the nature, objective, benefit and the potential risks and side effects of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Females who are pregnant or planning to be a pregnant and lactating.
• Have known dairy allergy.
• Have stopped drinking milk for the last 6 month.
• Have history of lactose intolerance
• Have history of faecal impaction.
• Received antibiotics in the previous six months
• Smoker
• Anemia
• Trying to lose weight by following a diet or exercise regimen designed for weight loss, or taking any drug influencing appetite and any drug for weight loss for the last three months.
• Have participated in similar dairy or probiotics-containing product's clinical trials within 3 months before the screening.
• Currently taking medicines for cardiovascular or metabolic disease.
• History of alcohol or drug misuse.
• Have history of or be diagnosed of any of the following diseases that may affect the study results: gastrointestinal disorders, hepatopathy, nephropathy, endocrine disease, blood disorders, respiratory, cardiovascular diseases and known on-going allergy such as asthma.
• Currently suffering from any gastrointestinal disorders or gastrointestinal disease, including irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);
• Had hospitalizations within 3 months before screening; Currently drug frequency user of that may affect the gastrointestinal function or immune system. As judged by investigator.
• Who take medication at least the last 6-month.
• Who do excessive exercise not as part of a weight-loss regime, e.g. athletes.