The effectiveness of 50% lactose-reduced milk in alleviating milk intolerance.

The level of lactose reduction in milk necessary to alleviate the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance has received little study. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 50% lactose-reduction in milk is adequate to alleviate the signs and symptoms of lactose maldigestion. even when large amounts of milk are consumed. Seven healthy subjects with proven lactose maldigestion consumed graded doses of whole cow's milk and 50% lactose reduced (LR) whole milk to determine the amount which could be consumed before breath hydrogen rose >20 ppm. This threshold was exceeded on average with 500 ml of 50% LR milk and 200 ml of whole milk. Whole milk produced significantly more breath hydrogen (P<0.05) and maldigestion symptoms (P<0.05) at all levels than the 50% LR milk. These results suggest that milk with as little as 50% lactose reduction can play a major role in the diet of individuals with lactase deficiency.