Do the Benefits of Raw Milk Outweigh the Dangers?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPasteurizationClaims of BenefitsPotential DangersWho Should AvoidRaw Milk OutbreaksHow Long It LastsTypes of Raw Milk

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Pasteurization

Claims of Benefits

Potential Dangers

Who Should Avoid

Raw Milk Outbreaks

How Long It Lasts

Types of Raw Milk

Before pasteurization became common in the early 1900s, milk was consumed in its raw, unprocessed state. Raw milk is often considered more natural, and some say it contains extra nutrients and antimicrobials that pasteurized milk might lack.

However, while it’s true that raw milk has not been treated with heat, many health claims about its benefits haven’t been scientifically proven. Raw milk comes with serious risks, including harmful bacteria andvirusesthat can cause severe infections. It is alsoillegal to sell raw milkin many U.S. states.

What Does the Pasteurization Process Do?

The most frequent pasteurization process is “high temperature, short time,” in which milk is heated to 161 degrees F for 15 seconds. The milk is then chilled quickly and must remain under refrigeration.Other pasteurization processes may heat to a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time or a lower temperature for longer.

Common Claims About the Benefits

Some people claim that raw milk, which hasn’t been pasteurized, has extra health benefits like more nutrients and good bacteria. Supporters of raw milk believe it can help with digestion, allergies, and even boost your immune system. But does scientific data support these claims?

More Nutrients

One claim is that raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurized milk because it hasn’t been heated to kill bacteria. The belief is that pasteurization destroys some of the vitamins and minerals naturally found in milk.

An older literature review showed some B vitamins may be slightly decreased in pasteurized milk.However, milk is not a good source of those vitamins anyway. The review showed an increase in vitamin A following pasteurization.

More Fatty Acids

Some claim raw milk has more healthy fatty acids than pasteurized milk. The belief is that the heat used in pasteurization can break down or reduce these beneficial fats. Raw milk supporters state that keeping the milk unprocessed preserves these natural fats, making it a healthier choice.

According to the FDA, studies have shown that pasteurization does not affect the composition of the fat in milk.

More Antimicrobials

Milk contains antimicrobials, such as lactoferrin and certain enzymes, that can help fight harmful bacteria and support the immune system. Raw milk supporters state that these natural antimicrobials help to keep the milk fresh and reduce bacteria, and think that pasteurization destroys or decreases these antimicrobials.

Scientists disagree with this for two reasons. One is that these antimicrobials don’t exist in high enough numbers to kill harmful bacteria that may be present in the milk. Also, studies have shown that pasteurization has little to no effect on antimicrobials.

Pasteurizing Milk Destroys Proteins

Some people believe that pasteurization also destroys proteins in the milk. These proteins, such as immunoglobulins that support the immune system, are thought to help digestion and boost the immune system.

Studies completed in both animals and humans have found that pasteurization doesn’t change how milk is digested. Studies have also determined that the cow immunoglobulins in milk don’t help the human immune system.

Protects Against Allergens and Asthma

Some people believe that drinking raw milk can help preventallergiesand asthma, especially in children.

This theory is based on a 2007 study showing that kids who grew up on farms and drink farm milk had fewer allergies and breathing problems.However, the study tested farm milk, not necessarily raw milk. Up to half of the milk products used had been boiled, which would have pasteurized the milk. The subjects in the study may also have gained some protection from being exposed to farm animals. Further research is needed for clarification.

Other studies have shown that children with milk allergies have an allergic reaction to both raw and pasteurized milk.

Better for Lactose Intolerance

Supporters of raw milk claim it is easier to digest for people withlactose intolerance.They argue that raw milk contains good bacteria that produce natural enzymes (lactase) that help break down lactose, the sugar in milk that can cause stomach discomfort.

Supporters claim that pasteurization destroys these helpful enzymes, making it harder for people with lactose intolerance to digest pasteurized milk.

Milk itself does not contain lactase, and it doesn’t contain the good bacteria that will produce lactase.

Prevents Osteoporosis

Some claim that raw milk preventsosteoporosis(progressive bone thinning) better than pasteurized milk. They believe that raw milk has higher levels of calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis.

However, experts state that both raw and pasteurized milk is rich in calcium, and the pasteurization process does not affect how well the body absorbs it.

Boosts the Immune System

Some people believe raw milk boosts the immune system better than pasteurized milk. They claim that raw milk contains natural probiotic bacteria, enzymes, and immunoglobulins that strengthen the body’s immune system.

Scientists have stated, however, that the bacteria present in raw milk are not probiotic and are instead potentially harmful if ingested. They also state that any immunoglobulins in raw milk are at very low levels that do not affect the human immune system.

While raw milk has its supporters, drinking raw milk also comes with significant risks that can’t be ignored. The biggest risk associated with consuming raw milk is a severe infection with bacteria that are often found in raw milk. These bacteria include:

These bacteria can cause severe illness, including severe diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and even life-threatening complications like kidney failure and meningitis (inflammation or infection of the lining of the brain) that can result in death.

Because raw milk is not pasteurized, there is no heat treatment to eliminate these harmful bacteria. In addition to the illness itself, the infection can cause long-term effects on the body, including:

Raw milk can become contaminated at many steps during the milking process and through storage.

Who Should Consider Avoiding Raw Milk?

Based on a 20-year study citing the risk of serious illness from its use—even in otherwise healthy people—ingesting raw milk should be avoided.

Furthermore, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend against drinking and eating raw milk products.

Certain groups are at the highest risk for life-threatening complications of infection from drinking raw milk or using raw milk products. These groups include:

How Common Are Raw Milk Outbreaks?

Raw milk outbreaks occur much more frequently than outbreaks due to pasteurized milk. In one review, it was found that between 1998 and 2018, there were 202 outbreaks from raw milk (an average of 10 per year), and only nine outbreaks in those 21 years from pasteurized milk.

How Long Does Raw Milk Last in the Fridge?

Raw milk has a much shorter shelf life than pasteurized milk, even when stored in the refrigerator. Typically, raw milk can last about seven days in the refrigerator. Pasteurized milk has a longer shelf life of 21 to 25 days if properly stored in the refrigerator.

Raw milk can come from a variety of animals, although cow’s milk is the most common type of raw milk. Other types of raw milk are:

Summary

While some people believe raw milk may be healthier, there is no strong scientific evidence to support those claims. Drinking raw milk can be dangerous as it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness or death. Health authorities recommend that everyone avoid raw milk and products made from raw milk.

Pasteurizing makes milk much safer to drink and does not take away its important nutrients. Even though some think raw milk is better for digestion, the immune system, or nutrition, studies show this isn’t true.

Pasteurized milk is a safer and healthier choice for most people. In many states, it is illegal to sell raw milk.

7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Koski L, Kisselburgh H, Landsman L, et al.Foodborne illness outbreaks linked to unpasteurised milk and relationship to changes in state laws – United States, 1998–2018.Epidemiology and infection. 2022;150:e183. doi:10.1017/S0950268822001649International Dairy Foods Association.Pasteurization.Food and Drug Administration.Raw milk misconceptions and the danger of raw milk consumption.Macdonald LE, Brett J, Kelton D, Majowicz SE, Snedeker K, Sargeant JM.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pasteurization on milk vitamins, and evidence for raw milk consumption and other health-related outcomes.J Food Prot. 2011;74(11):1814-32. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-10-269 Allowing this although older.Waser M, Michels KB, Bieli C, et al.Inverse association of farm milk consumption with asthma and allergy in rural and suburban populations across Europe.Clin Exp Allergy. 2007;37(5):661-670. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02640.xHealthychildren.org.Raw milk: what parents need to know.Li Y, Weng P, Wu Z, Liu Y.Extending the shelf life of raw milk and pasteurized milk with plantaricin fb-2.Foods. 2023;12(3):608. doi:10.3390/foods12030608

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Koski L, Kisselburgh H, Landsman L, et al.Foodborne illness outbreaks linked to unpasteurised milk and relationship to changes in state laws – United States, 1998–2018.Epidemiology and infection. 2022;150:e183. doi:10.1017/S0950268822001649International Dairy Foods Association.Pasteurization.Food and Drug Administration.Raw milk misconceptions and the danger of raw milk consumption.Macdonald LE, Brett J, Kelton D, Majowicz SE, Snedeker K, Sargeant JM.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pasteurization on milk vitamins, and evidence for raw milk consumption and other health-related outcomes.J Food Prot. 2011;74(11):1814-32. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-10-269 Allowing this although older.Waser M, Michels KB, Bieli C, et al.Inverse association of farm milk consumption with asthma and allergy in rural and suburban populations across Europe.Clin Exp Allergy. 2007;37(5):661-670. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02640.xHealthychildren.org.Raw milk: what parents need to know.Li Y, Weng P, Wu Z, Liu Y.Extending the shelf life of raw milk and pasteurized milk with plantaricin fb-2.Foods. 2023;12(3):608. doi:10.3390/foods12030608

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Koski L, Kisselburgh H, Landsman L, et al.Foodborne illness outbreaks linked to unpasteurised milk and relationship to changes in state laws – United States, 1998–2018.Epidemiology and infection. 2022;150:e183. doi:10.1017/S0950268822001649International Dairy Foods Association.Pasteurization.Food and Drug Administration.Raw milk misconceptions and the danger of raw milk consumption.Macdonald LE, Brett J, Kelton D, Majowicz SE, Snedeker K, Sargeant JM.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pasteurization on milk vitamins, and evidence for raw milk consumption and other health-related outcomes.J Food Prot. 2011;74(11):1814-32. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-10-269 Allowing this although older.Waser M, Michels KB, Bieli C, et al.Inverse association of farm milk consumption with asthma and allergy in rural and suburban populations across Europe.Clin Exp Allergy. 2007;37(5):661-670. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02640.xHealthychildren.org.Raw milk: what parents need to know.Li Y, Weng P, Wu Z, Liu Y.Extending the shelf life of raw milk and pasteurized milk with plantaricin fb-2.Foods. 2023;12(3):608. doi:10.3390/foods12030608

Koski L, Kisselburgh H, Landsman L, et al.Foodborne illness outbreaks linked to unpasteurised milk and relationship to changes in state laws – United States, 1998–2018.Epidemiology and infection. 2022;150:e183. doi:10.1017/S0950268822001649

International Dairy Foods Association.Pasteurization.

Food and Drug Administration.Raw milk misconceptions and the danger of raw milk consumption.

Macdonald LE, Brett J, Kelton D, Majowicz SE, Snedeker K, Sargeant JM.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pasteurization on milk vitamins, and evidence for raw milk consumption and other health-related outcomes.J Food Prot. 2011;74(11):1814-32. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-10-269 Allowing this although older.

Waser M, Michels KB, Bieli C, et al.Inverse association of farm milk consumption with asthma and allergy in rural and suburban populations across Europe.Clin Exp Allergy. 2007;37(5):661-670. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02640.x

Healthychildren.org.Raw milk: what parents need to know.

Li Y, Weng P, Wu Z, Liu Y.Extending the shelf life of raw milk and pasteurized milk with plantaricin fb-2.Foods. 2023;12(3):608. doi:10.3390/foods12030608

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