Effects of Conventional Milk Versus Milk Containing Only A2 β-Casein on Digestion in Chinese Children: A Randomized Study

Xiaoyang Sheng, Zailing Li, Jiayi Ni, Greg Yelland, Xiaoyang Sheng, Zailing Li, Jiayi Ni, Greg Yelland

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we hypothesized that replacing conventional milk, which contains A1 and A2 β-casein proteins, with milk that contains only A2 β-casein in the diet of dairy or milk-intolerant preschoolers (age 5 to 6 years) would result in reduced gastrointestinal symptoms associated with milk intolerance, and that this would correspond with cognitive improvements.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, crossover study aimed to compare the effects of 5 days' consumption of conventional milk versus milk containing only A2 β-casein on gastrointestinal symptoms, as assessed via visual analog scales, average stool frequency and consistency, and serum inflammatory and immune biomarkers in healthy preschoolers with mild-to-moderate milk intolerance. The study also aimed to compare changes in the cognitive behavior of preschoolers, based on Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test scores.

Results: Subjects who consumed milk containing only A2 β-casein had significantly less severe gastrointestinal symptoms as measured by visual analog scales, reduced stool frequency, and improvements in stool consistency, compared with subjects consuming conventional milk. There were significant increases from baseline in serum interleukin-4, immunoglobulins G, E, and G1, and beta-casomorphin-7 coupled to lower glutathione levels, in subjects consuming conventional milk compared with milk containing only A2 β-casein. Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test analysis showed significant improvements in test accuracy after consumption of milk containing only A2 β-casein. There were no severe adverse events related to consumption of either milk product.

Conclusions: Replacing conventional milk with milk containing only A2 β-casein reduced gastrointestinal symptoms associated with milk intolerance in Chinese preschool children, with corresponding improvements in aspects of cognitive performance.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03081845.

Conflict of interest statement

Dr Yelland is co-director of NeuroTest Pty Ltd, the company that owns and distributes the Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
CONSORT flow diagram.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Daily total visual analog scale (VAS) score for all gastrointestinal symptoms by study product (A) (mean and standard deviation) and stratified by lactose tolerability; (B) confirmed lactose intolerant; and (C) lactose tolerant. A lower daily total VAS score is advantageous, as this indicates fewer gastrointestinal symptoms.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Subject profile for 5-day average total VAS scores for gastrointestinal symptoms during product intervention by study product and stratified by confirmed lactose tolerability. VAS = visual analog scale.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
SCIT response times according to the intervention received in phase 1 (A); SCIT response times according to the intervention received in phase 2 (B); SCIT error rates according to the intervention received in phase 1 (C); SCIT error rates according to the intervention received in phase 2 (D). SCIT = Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test.

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Source: PubMed

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