A reduced lactose yogurt containing galactooligosaccharides (GOS) as a tool for lactose intolerant cover calcium daily intake that ensures bone health

Abstract

The galactooligosaccharides (GOS), natural prebiotics of human milk could be incorporated in dairy products, such as yogurt, by enzymatic action on milk lactose. We previously demonstrated: 1st. functional characteristics of such reduced-lactose yogurt containing GOS during the experimental normal growth; 2nd. Ca absorption (CaAbs) similar to that observed by feeding the recommended rodent diet. Objetive: To evaluate the beneficial effects of this reduced-lactose yogurt containing GOS in body composition and bone retention during normal growth. Male weaning Wistar rats (n=10 per group) received during 30 days AIN´93-G control diet (CD) or the yogurt containing GOS diet (ED). Food consumption was evaluated three times per week; body weight (BW) weekly; Ca and phosphorus (P) Abs during the last 3 days of the experience; femur Ca and P content, total skeleton bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) at the end of the study. Body composition and BMD of lumbar spine (LS), total (TT) and proximal (PrT) tibia BMD, and TT BMC were also evaluated. Result (mean±SD; Food consumption; BW; body fat and lean tissue percentages were similar in both groups. BMC (1.29±0.14 vs. 1.32±0.24 g), BMD (0.320±0.010 vs 0.320±0.005 g/cm2), TT BMD (0.246±0.022 vs 0.246 ± 0.018 g/cm2) and BMC (0.029±0.004 vs. 0.030±0.014); LS BMD (0.250±0.017 vs. 0.251±0.019 g/cm2) and Ca and P content in femur showed no significant differences. CaAbs % (84.9±2.2 vs. 80.0± 5.4%; p=0.062) and PAbs% (86.6±6.6 vs 78.0±7.1%; p<0.05); PrT BMD (0.303±0.056 g/cm2 vs. 0.266±0.018; p<0.05) were higher in ED vs. CD. The results evidenced similar body composition, higher Ca and P Abs and similar bone mass and retention. Conclusion: These results may suggest that the reduced lactose milk functional product assayed here appears to an optimal tool for maintaining an adequate intake of Ca, which prevents secondary bone disease caused by a milk-restricted diet