title: Does milk cause constipation? A crossover dietary trial.
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.
authors: Department of Rural Health NSW, University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia. elesa.crowley@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
authors: Elesa T
authors: ET
authors: Crowley
authors: Lauren T
authors: LT
authors: Williams
authors: Tim K
authors: TK
authors: Roberts
authors: Richard H
authors: RH
authors: Dunstan
authors: Peter D
authors: PD
authors: Jones
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002364:Caseins / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016269:Milk Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications*; D041942:Soy Milk / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D002364:Caseins