No difference in symptoms and receptor expression in lactose-intolerant and in milk-hypersensitive subjects following intake of homogenized and unhomogenized milk

Theoretically, unhomogenized milk compared to homogenized milk may be bette r tolerated by milk-hypersensitive subjects due to different distribution o f protein particles in fat droplets. We studied whether symptoms and comple ment receptor expression are different following unhomogenized milk, homoge nized milk or milk-free drink in milk-hypersensitive, lactose-intolerant an d healthy subjects. In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, lactos e-intolerant subjects (n = 6), milk-hypersensitive subjects with immune-med iated reactions and mainly abdominal symptoms (n = 8) and control subjects (n = 8) were challenged with homogenized milk, unhomogenized milk and milk- free placebo drink. Each challenge period took 3 days. Subjects recorded th eir symptoms, and complement receptor expressions (CR1 and CR3) were measur ed before and after the challenges using flow cytometry. No statistical dif ferences were observed in either the symptoms or receptor expression betwee n challenge periods in any of the groups. It is unlike that homogenization of milk is a major factor determining abdominal reactions in lactose-intole rant and in milk-hypersensitive subjects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.