Milk has long been lauded for its numerous health benefits. The "Got Milk?" campaign currently champions milk's positive influences that vary from helping to alleviate pre-menstrual syndrome, better sleep, improved hair and nail condition and bone health. Some questions, however, have begun to surround milk, inspiring further investigation into the substance.
Humans are the only species of animal that regularly drink milk past infancy. Dairy products are frequently recommended as a nutrition-based source for calcium, one reason that so many may consume it regularly.
"To put it into perspective for college students, the recommended dietary amount of calcium is 1,000 milligrams a day, and a cup of milk contains 300 milligrams," Student Health nutritionist Melanie Brede said. "Dairy products are by far the most concentrated source of calcium in food. Milk also contains lactose, and, in the U.S., is fortified with vitamin D, which aids in absorption."
Many people, though, cannot drink milk because they are lactose intolerant, a condition that occurs when the body does not have adequate amounts of the lactase enzyme to absorb milk. For these people, Brede noted that small doses of dairy products can help to build tolerance to lactose.
"For example, the body can handle a slice of cheese on a sandwich more easily than a glass of milk," she said. "Alternatively, lactose-free milk such as the brand Lactaid has the lactose already broken down, or one can take lactase enzyme tablets. There is also soy milk, and most leading brands of soy milk are fortified with calcium."
If one cannot consume dairy products at all, Brede suggested several other ways of obtaining calcium, specifically noting supplements, foods fortified with calcium, fortified breads and cereals, and dark, leafy vegetables.
Some people actually might argue that those who are lactose-intolerant are fortunate because of possible effects from growth hormones given to the cows. The current regulations of the dairy industry allow for additives to find their way into the milk supply, many of which are the product of a heavily industrialized approach to cattle.
Cows often are injected with recombinant bovine somatotropin to yield higher volumes of milk by stimulating the pituitary gland. These growth hormones have been banned in Europe and Canada for their unknown effects on human consumption, although the Food and Drug Administration deems it safe for human consumption.
"There is a mix of opinions and research. Would growth hormone be something that promotes tumor growth? Should we be giving this hormone to cows and having it end up in food supply?" Brede questioned. "The FDA is saying that it doesn't cause a significant increase in hormone levels and raises insulin-like growth factors above normal. And why are other countries more concerned?"
The possible relationship between milk and cancer cells is even more alarming. According to the American Cancer Society, some studies show that adults who drink milk regularly have a 10 percent increase in insulin-like growth factor. These higher levels stimulate the growth of certain types of tumors in humans. But no correlation has been found to the growth hormone additive.
"I would only stop drinking milk if there was concrete evidence that it is harmful," third-year College student Ashley Moore said. "If the findings were uncertain, I probably wouldn't stop drinking it."
Slight controversy also surrounds the treatment of the cows. Animal rights activists, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, often assert that the machines used for milking the bovines can tear the udders and cause infection, leading to pus that consequently ends up in the milk supply. The FDA, however, ensures that all milk is pasteurized and harmful microorganisms are killed.
Additionally, the FDA monitors the presence of somatic cells in milk, stating that low levels occur naturally and set the maximum safe level at 600,000 bovine cells per milliliter.
Despite these potential health concerns, others simply enjoy the taste of milk.
"I like milk, but I don't drink it very regularly or for any health benefits," Moore admitted.
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