Gastric Emptying of New-World Milk Containing A1 and A2 B-Casein Is More Rapid as Compared to Milk Containing Only A2 B-Casein in Lactose Maldigesters: A Randomized, Cross-Over Trial Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Lactose maldigesters report an increase in abdominal pain due to the consumption of milk containing a mixture of A1 and A2 beta-casein as compared to milk containing only A2 beta-casein. Gastric transit affects gastrointestinal symptoms and rapid transit has been associated with an increase in abdominal pain. We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, crossover trial in 10 lactose maldigesters. Subjects consumed each of the two types of milk: conventional milk containing 75% A1 beta-casein and 25% A2 beta-casein and A2 milk containing 100% A2 beta-casein. Magnetic resonance images were acquired, and abdominal pain was rated and recorded at 0, 10, 30, 60 and 120 min after milk consumption. The volume of milk in the stomach was calculated using FSL software. The volume of milk in the stomach after consuming milk with 75% A1 beta-casein and 25% A2 beta-casein was significantly lower at 30 (p = 0.01), 60 (p = 0.002) and 120 (p < 0.001) minutes as compared to milk with 100% A2 beta-casein in the 10 lactose maldigesters. The transit of New-World milk containing A1 and A2 beta-casein was more rapid as compared to Old-World milk containing only A2 beta-casein. This difference in transit may mediate symptoms of lactose intolerance.