A regular curd consumption improves gastrointestinal status assessed by a randomized controlled nutritional intervention

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of curd consumption (a dairy product in which most whey proteins are discarded) on nutritional status markers and on gastrointestinal symptoms through an open-label randomized nutritional intervention. A total of 20 males and 20 females were involved in the study. Body weight and plasma levels of different health markers were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Gastrointestinal symptoms and satiety were assessed by self-reported subjective questionnaires. There were neither relevant changes in body weight and composition, nor in all screened plasma determinations after the intervention. Satiety score analyses revealed no differences between the two experimental groups. The regular consumption of curd-improved abdominal pain (19%) and deposition scores (16%) when compared with those participants non-consuming curd, which may indicate a better tolerability of this product. Curd intake within a balanced diet improved some subjective markers of gastrointestinal status, which may be explained by the nutritional composition of curds.

• Curds
• dairy products
• dietary intervention
• gastrointestinal functions

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the volunteers and Veronica Ciaurriz is credited for laboratory support.

This study was partially presented as a poster in the 11th European Nutrition Conference (FENS) celebrated in Madrid in October 26–29, 2011. (reference: Navas-Carretero et al, Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2011; 58 (suppl 3): 256).