biostudies-literatureCasciano FMinistero dell'università e della ricerca2021https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12471900biostudies-literatureUnknown13(9)Nowadays, the consumption of "free from" foods by non-specific consumers is increasing, partly due to a misperception of labels that make them seem healthier. These foods are formulated for consumers with allergies or diseases that limit their diet, and it is not known if there are more benefits than risks for healthy consumers. For example, there is no work investigating the interaction between lactose-free milk and the colonic microbiome of healthy individuals. To focus on the potential modulation of gut microbiota of healthy subjects by lactose-free milk, we performed an in vitro simulation of digestion and fermentation, integrating microbiomics and metabolomics approaches to study changes in gut microbiota populations and metabolite production. Results indicated that lactose-free and lMicroorganismsAre "Free From" Foods Risk-Free? Lactose-Free Milk Fermentation Modulates Normal Colon in a Gut Microbiota in Vitro Model.PMC12471900ON Foods - Research and innovation network on food and nutrition Sustainability, Safety and Security - Working ON Foods" (Project code PE00000003).Casciano FGianotti ANissen LBordoni AfalseAre "Free From" Foods Risk-Free? Lactose-Free Milk Fermentation Modulates Normal Colon in a Gut Microbiota in Vitro Model.Nowadays, the consumption of "free from" foods by non-specific consumers is increasing, partly due to a misperception of labels that make them seem healthier. These foods are formulated for consumers with allergies or diseases that limit their diet, and it is not known if there are more benefits than risks for healthy consumers. For example, there is no work investigating the interaction between lactose-free milk and the colonic microbiome of healthy individuals. To focus on the potential modulation of gut microbiota of healthy subjects by lactose-free milk, we performed an in vitro simulation of digestion and fermentation, integrating microbiomics and metabolomics approaches to study changes in gut microbiota populations and metabolite production. Results indicated that lactose-free and l2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Aug2026-05-01T03:21:59.058Z2026-05-01T03:11:16.769ZS-EPMC124719004101135710.3390/microorganisms13092021