Lactose and protein absorption from breast milk and cow's milk preparations and its influence on the intestinal flora. Investigations on two infants with an artificial anus.

Lactose and protein absorption from breast milk and a cow's milk preparation enriched up to 7% of lactose were studied in two infants with an artificial anus applied in the ascending colon region. The concentrations of protein, lactose, glucose and galactose were measured in the fistula stools. In addition, the stools were analysed microbiologically. There were relatively high concentrations of lactose and its decomposition products and low concentrations of protein and aminonitrogen in the fistula stools when breast milk was fed. When the cow's milk formula was applied, only traces of lactose but high amounts of protein were measured. The microbiological findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that the bacterial flora of the large intestine is influenced by the lactose and protein concentrations in the intestinal content which reach the large intestine.