Baby Bistro: Cow’s Milk and Your Children

Since its conception 9000 years ago, cow milk production has drastically changed. In the early 1900’s, scientists began experimenting with ways in increase milk supply without having to increase numbers of dairy cows. They began artificially selecting to breed cows that provided more milk, feeding them grain diets, exposing them to light longer, giving them oral or subcutaneous injections of anabolic hormones, and increasing use of antibiotics. Though natural growth hormones are present in all cows, in 1993, the FDA approved rBST or rBGH. rBST is a synthetic bovine growth hormone given to dairy cattle to increase their milk supply. Currently, the U.S. is producing over 18,000 lbs of milk/year compared to the 1950’s when U.S. dairy farms produced 5300 lbs of milk/year.

In the excitement to produce and sell more milk, we may have overlooked some unforeseen consequences to health of both humans and cattle. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined 50, 117 Danish mothers and infant pairs to evaluate whether the mothers’ cow milk drinking had an effect on their infants’ birth weight. The study concluded that mothers who drank 2-3 glasses of milk/day were more likely to have infants with higher birth weight for gestational age or infants large for gestational age (LGA), and less likely to have infants small for gestational age (SGA). Why the positive association between birth weight and cow milk?

Modern milk contains sex steroids such as estrogen, a hormone that has been shown to stimulate fetal growth. Several studies have also shown cow milk drinking increases levels of the protein hormone, IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor) in adults and children. IGF-I is a major factor in childhood growth. IGF-I levels appear to rise in cows treated with rBST. In the Danish study, the researchers analyzed the fat soluble and water soluble ingredients in milk and whether they related to higher birth weight. They were able to rule out fat soluble nutrients such as sex hormones and vitamin D as a factor. Water soluble substances in milk did appear to increase fetal growth. These substances include natural milk protein and IGF-I. Yes, it is good that milk drinking appears to lessen the risk for SGA infants. However, it also increased risk for LGA infants which may be a factor in obesity onset, breast cancer, and shortened life span.

The health of the contemporary dairy cow is an issue as well. Cows treated with rBST are more likely to contract mastitis, a mammary gland infection that requires further antibiotic treatment in addition to normal doses. These cows also are more likely to be lame, possibly because their increased milk production depletes their bodies of essential nutrients. How do you digest the news on milk?

Milk still does a body good, but if you are pregnant, nursing or serving cow milk to growing children, try to choose certified organic brands. First, the U.S. has a surplus of milk. Second, the rise in antibiotic use results in antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. Finally, many of our dairy cattle are unhealthy, and their milk may be negatively affecting the health of future generations. Organic milk is on the rise, due to increased consumer demand. Great job with your healthy choices!

Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes

• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup unbleached flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• dash of salt
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup peeled, chopped or shredded apples or chopped raisins

Sift dry ingredients except sugar. Mix in rest of ingredients. Pour in 2-3 TBS servings on hot, oiled griddle and cook through on both sides. Serve with a little maple syrup, fruit preserves or yogurt.

Try designing a Jack O Lantern face or spiders by arranging apple triangles and raisins on pancakes while they cook for toddler fun!