Despite ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza in dairy cows, The popularity of raw milk Proponents claim that raw milk is healthier than pasteurized milk, but there is little evidence to support these claims, and the risks of serious illness are much greater.
Food Scientist, Mississippi State University Juan Silva and Joel Komakech Nutritionist Mandy Conrad We explain the difference between pasteurized and raw milk and address common misconceptions about the health risks and benefits of consuming unpasteurized milk. These questions are answered by the fact that cows Shedding viral material in breast milkNot only can pathogens get into milk, At least three farm workers By 2024, one million people will be infected with H5N1, the virus that causes bird flu. Agricultural workers: Handling of infected animals Or by-products such as raw milk.
What is pasteurization? Does it destroy nutrients?
Sterilization Pasteurization is the process of heating beverages and foods to temperatures above 145 degrees Fahrenheit (62.78 degrees Celsius) to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. This reduces the total number of microorganisms in the product and also inactivates enzymes that cause spoilage.
The taste, nutritional value and quality of pasteurized products are not significantly affected by the pasteurization process.
Pasteurization can lead to loss of nutrients, Changes are generally minimal The benefits outweigh the drawbacks: pasteurization causes slight denaturation of proteins and has little effect on fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin C and several B vitamins, except for vitamin B2, are not normally abundant in milk.Although they may be partially degraded during the pasteurization process, the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K, found in large amounts in milk) are more stable to heat and losses are minimal.
Therefore, the nutritional losses in milk caused by pasteurization are generally small compared with the significant benefits of reduced food poisoning and spoilage.
Is raw milk healthier than pasteurized milk?
in the investigation The benefits were compared Studies comparing raw milk with pasteurized milk have found little evidence that raw milk is superior to pasteurized milk. The advantages of raw milk are: The health risk is greater.
First, raw milk Lactose intolerance does not improve.
Raw milk too Vitamin deficiency Cow’s milk is a poorer source of vitamin C and other heat-sensitive vitamins than pasteurized milk, which Almost no loss of vitamin B2Riboflavin is also less sensitive to heat. Pasteurized milk is supplemented with vitamin D of a body Ability to absorb calcium Into milk.
Pasteurized milk is fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients. Burke/Triolo Productions/The Image Bank via Getty Images
Fortified milk provides nutrients Vitamin D, which can be lost during pasteurization, is added to milk to increase absorption of the calcium it contains. No food is perfect, so it doesn’t matter if milk is lacking in nutrients – you can get them from other foods.
Some people believe that ProbioticsFoods and supplements containing live beneficial bacteria are often found in products made from unpasteurized or raw milk. However, raw milk is generally Probiotic deficiency Harmful bacteria will increase significantly. Probiotics are added It is used in many dairy products such as yogurt after pasteurization.
Furthermore, a 2011 review of existing research on the health benefits of raw milk found that many of these studies carried out in an inappropriate mannerThis means that the results should be interpreted with caution.
What are the health risks of consuming raw milk?
Consuming raw or unpasteurized milk poses health risks due to harmful microorganisms that may be present in it.
Raw milk is Hundreds of food poisoning casesBetween 1998 and 2018, 202 cases As a result, 2,645 people were infected and 228 were hospitalized. 18 outbreaks and recalls Related to raw milk. Number of incidents And remember There have already been outbreaks of infectious diseases linked to pathogens in raw milk in 2024. In each case, pathogens in the raw milk were the source of illness in humans that directly contributed to these illnesses.
Pathogens from infected cows can be found in raw milk. Tunvarat Pruksachat/Moment via Getty Images
Among the diseases caused by pathogens contained in raw milk are: Serious long-term effectsSymptoms include paralysis, kidney failure and death.
The researchers found that in areas of the United States where raw milk was legally sold between 1998 and 2018: Incidences more than tripled Outbreaks were almost four times more common in areas where the sale of raw milk is permitted at retail stores than in areas where it is illegal, compared with areas where it is permitted only on farms.
Is it safe to eat foods made from raw milk?
Many, if not all, dairy products are made from unpasteurized milk. It is not safe to eatRaw milk is used to make a variety of products, including soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert, Mexican-style soft cheeses such as queso fresco, panela, asadero, and queso blanco, yogurt and puddings, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. Pathogens present in raw milk may survive the manufacturing process of these dairy products and therefore may not be safe to consume.
Only products made from unpasteurized milk that have been treated to inhibit or kill harmful microorganisms are potentially safe, but when products are made from unpasteurized milk, there is a high possibility of cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods and survival of pathogens due to improper processing. Made with raw milk.
Can pasteurized milk make me sick?
Several cases of infection have been reported that are linked to pasteurized milk. Post-Pasteurization ContaminationIf handled properly, pasteurized milk is a very safe product.
The U.S. government has Destroy the milk From flocks infected with avian influenza. As of June 2024, 12 states have reported it. H1N5 positive herdThe virus that causes avian influenza.
At the moment, Drink pasteurized milk Pasteurization, extracted from infected cattle, can cause illness in humans. Based on the available evidence, the Food and Drug Administration currently recommends that pasteurization Can be destroyed or inactivated Heat-sensitive viruses such as H5N1 in milk.
However, consuming raw milk may pose a risk of transmitting diseases to humans.
Does drinking raw milk provide immunity against H5N1?
Some people believe It is said that drinking raw milk strengthens the immune system. No scientific evidence This is to prove that drinking raw milk boosts immunity against disease.
Vaccines make you stronger It does this by exposing your immune system to tiny amounts of dead or severely weakened pathogens in order to protect you from future infections without actually getting infected and becoming ill.
Avian flu spreads among U.S. dairy cows
Raw milk Contains live H5N1 virusThis means you can still get infected and get sick. Rather than boosting your immunity, raw milk exposes you to the virus itself, which can cause severe illness. The protective antibodies in raw milk can be broken down by stomach acid.
Furthermore, people who contract avian influenza from raw milk pose a risk of transmitting the virus to other people and animals, providing them with an opportunity to do so. Adapt and improve The ability to transmit from person to person increases, increasing the risk of the disease spreading more widely.
Juan Silva He is a professor of food science, nutrition and health promotion at Mississippi State University. Joel Komakech He is an assistant professor of food science, nutrition and health promotion at Mississippi State University. Mandy Conrad Clinical Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Mississippi State University. conversation Under Creative Commons License. read Original Article.
