Milky Tales; Not so White

 J Medi Ntri Vol 1 Issue 2 Page 73-76

Milky Tales; Not so White-Unveiling the Disadvantages and Ill Effects of Cow Milk: A Comprehensive Review

Anamika Chakravorty Samant,1 

Himali Jha,2 

Since time immemorial, humans have been known to consume milk as it is or in other forms like curd, cheese, butter, etc. Milk is an important part of various beverages, cuisines and even traditional customs. Milk from animals like cow, buffalo, goat, camel, elephant, deer and donkey is regular in the diet of humans based on their cultural and geographical background. Milk has long been touted for its nutritional benefits. However, emerging research has shed light on its potential disadvantages and ill effects on human health. This review article synthesizes current literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the negative impacts associated with cow milk consumption.

The discussion encompasses various aspects, including lactose intolerance, allergenicity, and hormonal content. The mammal mother produces milk for its infant till it is dependent on it as the sole source of nutrition. Milk is digested by the enzyme lactase and it starts disappearing once the infant is weaned off. The activity of lactase is highest at birth and gradually decreases with age (lactase non-persistence; LNP). LNP affects about 70% of the world’s population and is the physiological basis for primary lactose intolerance. (1, 2,3)

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