Fat-free milk as a therapeutic approach for constipation and the effect on serum motilin and ghrelin levels

Abstract

Objective This study explores the effects of fat-free milk supplementation on individuals with chronic constipation with regard to levels of motilin and acylated and des-acylated ghrelin (which affect intestinal motility) and compares them with data from control subjects given whole milk supplementation. Methods The investigation was designed according to the constipation severity test of individuals whose ages and body mass indexes were comparable. Individuals with mild constipation ( n = 10) were supplemented with 400 mL of fat-free milk daily; moderate constipation cases ( n = 10) were supplemented with 600 mL, and severe constipation cases ( n = 10) were supplemented with 800 mL of fat-free milk daily. Healthy control subjects were administered 400 mL of fat-free milk (group 1), which was followed a month later by administration of 400 mL of whole milk for 3 days (group 2). Blood samples were collected from the subjects before and after milk supplementation for hormone analyses. Motilin and acylated and des-acylated ghrelin were quantified with ELISA assay. Results Supplementation of fat-free milk significantly increased levels of circulating motilin and ghrelin in all groups, including the control subjects, but whole milk supplementation led to a decrease in these hormone levels in the control subjects. Conclusion Drinking fat-free milk might be a new way of solving constipation.