The effect of goat’s milk consumption on the clinical health of middle-aged adults with lactose intolerance

Abstract

Introduction: People with lactose intolerance are suggested to consume dietary items containing less lactose, such as goat’s milk. This study aimed to investigate the effects of goat’s milk powder on the health of lactose intolerant middle-aged adults. Methods: A total of 60 subjects were recruited into this randomised controlled trial. They were divided into four groups and received different dietary interventions (goat’s milk, goat’s milk with curcumin, goat’s milk with coffee, lactose-free milk) for five weeks. Health effects were compared between pre and post-intervention. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and lactoferrin) were evaluated. Dietary intake was recorded using a food record. Results: Fifty-one lactose intolerant subjects completed the study. After ingestion of goat’s milk, there were significant reductions in body fat (p=0.033) and a significant increase in the percentage of muscle (p=0.021). Waist circumference (WC) decreased in both the goat’s milk with curcumin and goat’s milk with coffee groups (p<0.05 for all). Unfortunately, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dropped after the five-week intervention in the goat’s milk group (p=0.002). Lactoferrin level of the goat’s milk group was higher than other groups at post-intervention (p<0.001). Besides, the goat’s milk with coffee group seemed to consume more carbohydrates after completing the intervention (p=0.034). Conclusion: A five-week intake of goat’s milk reduced the risk of abdominal obesity among middle-aged adults. In addition, it resulted in improved lactoferrin levels.