Studies on the Promoting Factors of Galactose and Lactose Metabolism in the Whey Iii. Concerning Substances in Whey That Inhibit Cataract Developed in Rats on Hypergalactose and Hyperlactose Diets

Abstract

Mitchell, Dodge (1) and Day (2) reported that cataract develops in rats fed on hyper lactose and hypergalactose diets. Consequently, lactose and galactose are regarded as factors in cataract development. On the other hand, Takuma and Takayama (3) observed that cataracts developed from purified lactose can be inhibited by the addition of whey to the diet. Similar results were obtained by Tamura and coworkers (4). However, the nature of the factor in whey playing a key role here has not been determined. In 1957, Ogihara (5), one of our laboratory staff, reported that neutral fatty acids in whey have this inhibiting effect. Later, we made studies of the factor contained in whey and whey powder and further advanced the analytical studies of these fatty acids.

Is Dietary Milk Intake Associated with Cataract Extraction History in Older Adults? An Analysis from the US Population

“…Possibly, because the nutritional profile of milk is rich with various nutrients, some components may "neutralize" the cataractogenic effects of lactose/galactose. For example, in one experiment, coadministering whey along with purified lactose in rats inhibited the formation of cataract that was otherwise observed when fed purified lactose alone [25]. Moreover, consistent intake of milk may replace other less healthy dietary behaviors/patterns that could otherwise increase the risk of cataract [26].…”

“…Multiple factors could have played a role. References to data stemming from animal experimentation were common [14,23,25], but these models required notably high intake of lactose (25-70% of total dietary intake) that is unlikely to be applicable to the human diet [5]. Besides, different indicators of milk exposure were historically used to assess this relationship in humans.…”