Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
Randomized double-blind clinical trial
Participants
60 CF children aged more than 6 years were included.
Interventions
300 milliliters of camel milk or cow milk (as a placebo) daily for 2 months.
Outcome measures
The spirometry parameters and medications were assessed before and 2 months after intervention.
Main results
Sixty patients completed the trial. Patients were similar in baseline characteristics (pâ>â0.05). Two months after intervention the percentage change in the forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was 10 (2, 31) and -1 (-12, 1) in the intervention and control respectively (p-valueâ<â0.0001). The percentage change in the forced vital capacity (FVC) was 11 (2, 39) and -3 (-17, 1) in the intervention and control respectively (p-valueâ<â0.0001). The percentage change in the FEV1/FVC was -2 (-8, 00) and 0 (-0.5, 5) in the intervention and control respectively (p valueâ=â0.002). The dose and frequency of medication remained unchanged 2 months after the intervention. No camel milk-related side effect was seen.
Authors' conclusions
Our findings strongly support the benefits of camel milk on respiratory function and the improvement of general conditions in CF patients. More studies are needed to confirm the present evidence.