Cocoa feeding and human lactose intolerance

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1989

Abstract

On the basis of evidence of the suppressing effect of cocoa on human lactose intolerance, a feeding study was conducted on 35 subjects with a commercial chocolate-milk formula. Variables studied were breath hydrogen level (BHL), symptoms, and onset time. Data from repeated feeding were analyzed by paired t tests. The addition of cocoa significantly reduced BHL (p < 0.005) as well as the symptom score of both bloating (p < 0.05) and cramping (p < 0.025). Individual lactose intolerance levels ranged from 5% (basal milk) to 12.5% with an average of 7.8% upon consumption of 250 mL milk. Having both plain and cocoa formulas contain sucrose and carrageenan led to a conclusion that the suppressive effect of cocoa observed was independent of the presence of sucrose and carrageenan. Ninety-five percent of the subjects responded positively (BHL > 17 ppm) to the plain and 51% to the cocoa formula.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Volume

49

Issue

5

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