The impact of yak versus cow milk on exercise-induced allergy and performance in sensitized mice
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dairy consumption is a common cause of food allergies, driving interest in alternative sources like yak milk (YM). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of dietary supplementation with YM and cow milk (CM) on immune sensitization, exercise-induced allergic responses, and exercise performance in a murine model. METHODS: Female Balb/c mice were allocated to control, YM, or CM groups, received daily gavage for five weeks before subdivision into exercise and non-exercise subgroups. Exercise subgroups performed an exhaustive running test before tissue collection. Serum immunoglobulins (tIgE, IgG1) and mouse mast cell protease-1 (MMCP-1) were quantified by ELISA, along with clinical allergy signs, rectal temperature, intestinal and muscle histology, exhaustion time, and VO₂max. RESULTS: Both YM and CM induced a systemic immune sensitization, as indicated by significantly elevated tIgE, IgG1, and MMCP-1 levels (all P < 0.05). Following exercise, both milk groups exhibited clinical allergic symptoms and significant intestinal injury, but only the CM group demonstrated hypothermic shock (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in exhaustion time, VO₂max, or muscle morphology among groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: YM provoked a milder systemic response than CM post-exercise in sensitized mice, without compromising performance. Both milks were immunogenic with distinct reactivity, suggesting YM’s divergent allergic profile.
Source: BMC Immunology
Authors: Guanjiankao Huang, Xuemei Li
Institution: Beijing Sport University
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology and Allergy
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7124862989