Effects of Lactose on Fecal Microflora

Overview

The genetics of lactase divides the population into 2 phenotypes: Those who can(LP) and those who cannot(LNP)digest lactose. This division may help modify disease risks according to geographic population distribution. At least some of the putative mechanism of risk modification may relate to an effect of undigested lactose on lower intestinal bacteria. The effect may provide for support of beneficial microbes. The amount of lactose reaching the colon is made easier in LNP than LP subjects who have to consume larger amounts to have meaningful spillover into the lower bowel.The current study examines whether there are quantifiable qualitative fecal bacterial differences to a standard intake of lactose(milk sugar)between these 2 different phenotypic populations. Finding of differences would lend support to the notion that for some diseases LP and LNP subjects face different risks even in an area of uniform disease risk if they consume lactose (found in dairy foods). The primary end point is comparison of 4 groups of specific bacteria between LP and LNP participants before and after 2 weeks of lactose(in powder form mixed in water) consumption. Classification is based on genetic analysis and secondarily on breath hydrogen results. Results are compared within groups. The secondary outcome is comparison of 4 groups of bacteria between LP and LNP subjects against each group of stool samples obtained on the first visit. Results are obtained between groups. Additional information and other secondary outcomes are to evaluate any relationship between diet intake and the 4 groups of bacteria on the first visit Another outcome will be to compare within groups any effect of lactose consumption on insulin and glucose levels within the 2 groups.

Healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 49 are recruited. 1. Each participant fills a lactose targetting diet questionnaire(3 day recall). 2. A 50g lactose challenge tets is administered,breath hydrogen and symptoms are recorded for 4.5hrs. 3. Blood is drawn for analysis of lactase genetic status. 4. A stool sample is collected(10-15g)and analysed fo total anaerobes, enterococci, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. 5. All subjects are withdrawn from dairy foods(calcium replacement suggested in diet) for 2 weeks and are aked to return to repeat parts 2 and 4. 6. A voluntary segment has glucose and insulin measured for 4 hrs via an indwelling venous catheter. 7. Subjects are asked to consume 50g lactose in divided doses for 2 further weeks 8. At the end they return and repeat sections 2 and 4 for the third time. 9. Participants who volunteered to have glucose and insulin measured repeat this segment of the study as well.