Impact of A2 Milk Versus Conventional Milk on Intestinal Health: a Proof-of-concept Study in IBS-patients

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional bowel disorder in which recurrent abdominal pain is associated with defecation and altered bowel habits. Although the pathophysiology is incompletely understood, it is generally regarded as a multifactorial disorder involving host factors such as low-grade immune activation, altered intestinal barrier function and defense. Environmental factors, including diet, are also suggested to play a role. Dairy products such as cow's milk are widely produced and an important component of the human diet. Cow's milk is composed of various macronutrients, micronutrients and water. Beta-casein is a major protein component of cow's milk; most cows produce a mixture of A1 and A2 beta-casein (conventional milk), whereas some cows produce only A2 beta-casein (A2 milk). It has been suggested that specific components in cow's milk, such as A1 beta-casein, may trigger gastrointestinal symptoms after intake.

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, cross-over study performed in Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) is to explore the acute and mid-terms effects of A2 milk versus conventional milk on gastrointestinal symptoms and immune and defense markers in separate groups of patient with constipation-predominant IBS and in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS.

Inclusion criteria

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C) or IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), based on the Rome IV criteria
• Self-reported indication that dietary components (e.g. milk) trigger GI symptoms
• Body Mass Index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2
• Weight-stable for at least 90 days prior to participation (no change in bodyweight, i.e. < 3kg).
• Willing to be informed in case of unexpected findings.

Exclusion criteria

• History of any disease or surgery interfering with the study aims, limiting participating or completing the study protocol
• Self-admitted human immunodeficiency virus-positive state.
• Disease with a life expectancy shorter than 5 years.
• Abdominal surgery interfering with gastrointestinal function (to be decided by a medical doctor)
• Based on anamnesis, patients with lactose intolerance will be excluded. If not tested before, a lactose breath test can be performed to check for lactose intolerance.
• Self reported cow's milk allergy
• Use of antibiotics within 30 days prior to the study
• Use of other medication interfering with study outcomes, as will be reviewed by a medical doctor, who will decide on in- or exclusion based on the drug(s) used
• Administration of probiotic or prebiotic supplements, investigational drugs or participation in any scientific intervention study, which may interfere with this study (to be decided by the principle investigator), in the 14 days prior to the study
• Known pregnancy or lactation
• Plan to loose weight or follow a specific diet within the study period
• Alcohol intake: female >7 units/week for females, male >14 units/week
• Blood donation within 1 month prior to the study
• Insufficient fluency of the Dutch language