We have been taught that dairy is very important for us due to calcium and vitamin D (which promotes bone health) and for potassium (which helps offset to much salt in the diet and helps to regular blood pressure).  In addition, in small children dairy is important for the fats it contains to promote brain health and for the calories it provides.  However, about 75% of the population lack the enzymes necessary to digest milk.   This leads to lactose intolerance and bloating.   Milk has been found to aggravate irritable bowel syndrome.

In addition to prevent illnesses, which we might get from milk, the milk is pasteurized and homogenized.  These processes, while helpful for eradicating bacteria, destroys the beneficial enzymes in milk, eliminates vitamins, denatures (breaks down) fragile milk proteins, destroys vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6, and kills beneficial bacteria.  There are some people who promote the benefits of raw milk, however it is unavailable for purchase in New Jersey at this time.

According to Walter Willett, MD, PhD, from the Harvard School of Public Health, a professor of epidemiology and the head of the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health, “ there is very little evidence that milk consumption is associated with reduced fracture”.   It appears that the Vitamin D plays a more important role in fracture prevention.  Milk has Vitamin D2, which requires sunlight to be converted into the active form Vitamin D3.

Milk lead to increased IGF-1 (insulin/ insulin like growth factor-1) which has been associated with cancer promotion.  In a study of patients who have a mutation that leads to decreased IGF-1 (Laron Syndrome) it was found that these patients have decreased rates of acne, diabetes and cancer.

Other side effects of dairy in some individuals include allergies, sinusitis, recurrent ear infections, anemia and constipation.

While dairy intake remains controversial, it is possible to obtain the beneficial elements of milk by  supplementing our diets though other foods with less potential side effects.