Does milk cause constipation? A crossover dietary trial.
Crowley ET, Williams LT, Roberts TK, Dunstan RH, Jones PD. (2013) Nutrients. 5(1) 253-66.
Web URL: View this and related abstracts via PubMed here. Free full text of this article is available online.
Abstract:
The aims of this study were to:
(1) determine whether replacement of cow's milk protein with soy resolves Chronic Functional Constipation (CFC); and
(2) investigate the effects of cow's milk β casein A1 and cow's milk β casein A2 on CFC.
Children diagnosed with CFC were recruited to one of two crossover trials: Trial 1 compared the effects of cow's milk and soy milk; Trial 2 compared the effects of cow's milk β casein A1 and cow's milk β casein A2. Resolution of constipation was defined as greater than eight bowel motions during a two week intervention.
Thirteen children (18 to 144 months) participated in Trial 1 (6 boys, 7 girls). Nine participants who completed the soy epoch all experienced resolution (p < 0.05).
Thirty-nine children (21 to 144 months) participated in Trial 2 (25 boys, 14 girls). Resolution of constipation was highest during the washout epoch, 81%; followed by cow's milk β casein A2, 79%; and cow's milk β casein A1, 57%; however, the proportions did not differ statistically.
The results of Trial 1 demonstrate an association between CFC and cow's milk consumption but Trial 2 failed to show an effect from type of casein. Some other component in cow's milk common to both A1 and A2 milk may be causing a problem in these susceptible children.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
This two-part study was designed to test two related hypotheses, viz2) that constipation might be alleviated by consumption of cows milk containing A2 but not A1 beta-casein
NB: standard cows' milk contains both the A1 and A2 forms of this major milk protein - but cows milk with A2 beta-casein only can be produced by selecting cows carefully for their genetic ancestry. Only A2-type beta-casein is found in human breastmilk, goats' milk, sheeps'milk and all other animal milks.
Findings supported the first hypothesis - supporting the idea that standard cows milk can increase risks for constipation.
With respect to the second, although results were in the predicted direction (resolution of constipaton for A2 milk was 79%, versus 57% for A1 milk), the group difference was not statistically significant.
The authors concluded that some component of cows' milk other than A1 beta-casein may contribute to constipation (as can many other factors, of course). However, the small number of children meant the sudy had only low 'statistical power' (i.e. it may have lacked the power to detect a real difference even if there is one).
The 'A1 vs A2' hypothesis was based on the fact that digestion of A1, but not A2, milk protein gives rise to peptides with opioid-like activity; and opioids are well known to cause constipation by slowing digestive transit time.
Findings from subsequent studies in both animals and humans have since found a link between A1 beta-casein and slow transit time - adding to the possibility that Study 2 here was too small and underpowered for the observed A1/A2 group difference to reach statistical significance. See:
For more information on the potential importance of A1 vs A2 milk protein, see:
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