Methods and Compositions for Treating Lactose Intolerance

Abstract

The invention provides methods and compostions for treating lactose intolerance. In embodiments, the invention provides methods and composition for decreasing symptoms of lactose intolerance by administering to an individual suffering from lactose intolerance increasing doses of lactose using a protocol such that at the end of treatment the individual's symptoms of lactose intolerance are decrease and such that symptoms remain decreased after a period of time.

1 . A method for decreasing symptoms of lactose intolerance in an individual suffering from lactose intolerance comprising administering lactose to the individual in increasing amounts for a period of time according to a protocol, wherein the protocol is such that by the end of said period of time one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance in the individual are decreased by at least about 20%, and such that after about one month from the end of the administration of the increasing amounts of lactose, said one or more symptoms of lactose intolerance remain decreased by at least 20%. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said one or more symptoms are decrease by at least about 50% at the end of said period. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said one or more symptoms remain at least about 50% decreased after about one month from the end of the administration. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the lactose is administered for at least part of said period of time in combination with one or more substances chosen from the group consisting of live bacteria, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and buffer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the bacteria comprise  L. acidophilus.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the buffer comprises calcium phosphate tribasic. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said one or more symptoms are chosen from the group consisting of gas, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, cramping, and vomiting. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the symptoms comprise a set of symptoms comprising gas, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and cramping. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the lactose is administered to the individual under the advice of a health professional. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the period of time of lactose administration is about 34 days to about 42 days. 
     
     
         11 . A composition for the treatment of symptoms of lactose intolerance comprising at least about 50% lactose, and about 0.05% to about 10% of at least two ingredients chosen from the group consisting of bacteria, FOS, and buffer. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 11  wherein the ingredients comprise bacteria, FOS, and buffer. 
     
     
         13 . A kit for the treatment of symptoms of lactose intolerance comprising the composition of  claim 11  in suitable packaging, and instructions for use. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 11  wherein the composition is labeled as a medical food. 
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 12  wherein the kit is labeled as a medical food. 
     
     
         16 . A method of doing business comprising marketing a composition for the treatment of symptoms of lactose intolerance, wherein the composition is used to administer increasing doses of lactose to an individual. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising producing said composition. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the composition is part of a kit. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the composition is marketed to a health professional. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the composition is labeled as a medical food.