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Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, goats, or any other animal that has not been pasteurized. Pasteurization is a heating process that kills harmful germs. Recently, many Internet content creators have promoted raw milk. While raw milk enthusiasts claim it’s healthier, the reality is quite different.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), health claims about the benefits of drinking raw milk are not based on scientific evidence. However, its harms are well known.

Raw milk can pose significant health risks because it may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, leading to serious foodborne illnesses. Since 1987, raw milk has been linked to more than 143 illness outbreaks. These outbreaks have led to miscarriage, stillbirth, kidney failure, and death.

Pasteurization kills the germs that cause food poisoning and does not significantly alter the nutritional value of milk. Pasteurized milk is safer and equally nutritious as raw milk.

Understanding Milk Pasteurization

Pasteurization helps ensure milk and cheese are safe to consume.

Raw milk proponents claim raw milk contains natural enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and more nutrients than pasteurized milk. However, studies have shown that pasteurization does not measurably affect milk’s nutritional value. It just helps eliminate harmful pathogens.

Pasteurization is a widely used process that heats milk to a specific temperature long enough to kill harmful bacteria. Pasteurized milk retains essential nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin A, and more.

Louis Pasteur developed pasteurization in 1864. It’s a standard public health measure used worldwide to prevent diseases like listerias, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis. It has saved innumerable lives.

The Real Risks of Consuming Raw Milk

Raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and campylobacter. These pathogens cause foodborne illnesses, often called “food poisoning.” Even a small amount of contaminated raw milk can make you sick.

While anyone can be affected, certain groups face higher risks:

• Infants — Pasteurization of milk cut infectious diseases and their high infant mortality rates in half by the early 20th century, according to a review in the Journal of Food Protection.
• Children and teenagers — Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that foodborne illnesses from raw milk disproportionately affect young people.
• Pregnant women — Listeria, commonly found in raw milk, poses a serious risk during pregnancy. It can lead to miscarriage, illness, stillbirth, or even neonatal death.
• People with weakened immune systems — People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or those who’ve undergone transplants are especially vulnerable to foodborne illness from raw milk.

Symptoms of Foodborne Illness from Drinking Raw Milk

According to the FDA, raw milk consumption can cause many symptoms ranging from minor to life-threatening.

Common symptoms include:

• Body aches
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramping
• Vomiting

In severe instances, raw milk consumption can lead to conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome or hemolytic uremic syndrome, potentially leading to paralysis, kidney failure, stroke, or death.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming raw milk, it is vital to seek medical attention.

Internet Myths About Raw Milk

Misinformation can quickly spread on the Internet. No scientific evidence supports the claim that raw milk is healthier than pasteurized milk.

Myth: Pasteurized milk causes lactose intolerance and allergies

The milk proteins that cause allergic reactions are in raw and pasteurized milk. Likewise, people are lactose intolerant because they don’t make enough beta-galactosidase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. Lactose is present in both raw and pasteurized milk.

Myth: Good bacteria in raw milk prevent illness and support children’s immune systems

No scientific evidence supports claims that raw milk affects illness or kills off pathogens. The health risks of drinking raw milk, however, are clear.

Children are most vulnerable to the risks of raw milk. Drinking unpasteurized milk does not support immune health or strengthen immune systems.

Myth: Humans have consumed raw milk for thousands of years without issue

Raw milk has been responsible for disease transmission for centuries, including the spread of tuberculosis, scarlet fever, and other illnesses. In the past, infants died after drinking raw milk. Modern pasteurization was developed in the 19th century to prevent milk-borne illness.

In many developing countries where pasteurization is unavailable, raw milk is routinely boiled to prevent illness.

Questions About Food Choices

Information provided by Internet content creators can often feel truthful. But when it comes to health claims, it’s key to be cautious. If you have questions about food choices, raw milk, lactose intolerance, or other concerns, consult your health care provider. Together, you can discuss your diet plan and make informed decisions.