Method for increasing lactose tolerance in mammals exhibiting lactose intolerance

Abstract

The method for increasing lactose tolerance in subjects exhibiting lactose intolerance symptoms implements a protocol where the subjects ingest a gradually increasing amount of lactose containing product over a six week period. At various points during the six week period the subject ingests the lactose containing product once a day and then twice a day. The lactose containing product can be in liquid form, such as for example, milk, and is preferably in a powder form which is taken either by ingesting capsules having the lactose powder or in a granular form mixed with water or other non-lactose containing liquid. At the end of the six week period, the subject's tolerance for lactose containing products is substantially increased, with the potential of eliminating the subject's lactose intolerant behavior indefinitely.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . An orally administered pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of lactose intolerance comprising a lactose powder and bacteria, wherein a single dose of the pharmaceutical composition comprises from about 0.8 g to about 12.8 g of the lactose powder. 
     
     
         26 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 25 , wherein the bacteria are live cultured bacteria. 
     
     
         27 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 25 , wherein the single dose of the pharmaceutical composition is provided in one or more ingestible capsules. 
     
     
         28 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the one or more ingestible capsules comprises about 0.8 g of the lactose powder. 
     
     
         29 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the one or more ingestible capsules comprises about 1.6 g of the lactose powder. 
     
     
         30 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the one or more ingestible capsules is a zero sized capsule. 
     
     
         31 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the one or more ingestible capsules is a double zero sized capsule. 
     
     
         32 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 25 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is configured for administration to a mammal. 
     
     
         33 . The orally administered pharmaceutical composition of  claim 25 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is configured for administration to a human. 
     
     
         34 . A composition consisting essentially of a lactose powder in an ingestible capsule. 
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the ingestible capsule comprises about 0.8 g of the lactose powder. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the ingestible capsule comprises about 1.6 g of the lactose powder. 
     
     
         37 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the ingestible capsule is a size zero capsule. 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the ingestible capsule is a size double zero capsule. 
     
     
         39 . A method for treating lactose intolerance in a subject who has experienced symptoms of lactose intolerance, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a lactose powder. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises bacteria. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprises from about 0.8 g to about 12.8 g of the lactose powder. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is provided in one or more ingestible capsules. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein at least one of the ingestible capsules is a size zero capsule. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein at least one of the ingestible capsules is a size double zero capsule.