Dear Cow lover,

There is no definitive answer to your question -- it depends on who you ask. Here are some of the health pros and cons:

PROS:

• Calcium, which is important for healthy bones, is abundant in milk and dairy products. Although it's possible to get ample calcium without milk, it does take some careful planning. Additionally, the calcium in milk is well absorbed by the digestive tract because the vitamin D and lactose found in milk facilitate calcium absorption.
• Skim milk and products made from skim milk are very low in fat and cholesterol, and contain a complete source of protein.
• Milk is also a good source of phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and riboflavin (a B vitamin).

CONS:

• Whole milk, or anything made of whole milk, is high in saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol level.
• Milk is a common cause of food allergy (allergy to milk protein).
• Many people, especially adults, lack the enzyme to digest lactose (milk sugar). This is called lactose intolerance, which causes bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
• Milk (and meat for that matter) may contain the antibiotics given to the animal before slaughter. It has been argued that when humans then eat the dairy or meat products, they absorb the antibiotics, potentially allowing for bacteria harmful to humans to become more resistant to these antibiotics. The consequence is that when antibiotics are prescribed, they may not be as effective at killing the bacteria as they once were.

The Dairy Council has more information on the pros of milk. Alice recommends their booklet called "Newer Knowledge of Milk and Other Fluid Dairy Products." Call 212.764.4060 to request a copy. Another book called, Don't Drink Your Milk, by Frank A. Oski, MD, will give you more information on the other side of the story. Contact Teach Services: Donivan Road, Route 1, Box 182, Brushton, NY 12916, 1992 (9th ed.).

Alice

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