The health and nutritional indications of milk have no scientific basis

2023/02/27 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna
• Etika
• Dietetika/Elikagaiak

Between the years 2020-2022, the analysis of cheese observations from 15 countries around the world concludes that most claims do not contain scientific references that support it and that, even where they do, it is not consistent enough.

The study, published in the scientific journal BMJ, has made it clear from the outset that breast milk is the most suitable food for children. They have also warned that there are many factors that influence the decision to feed the child — doctors, socio-political and psychological — including the propaganda of the milk industry. This is also corroborated by the editorial just published by The Lancet (title, literally: Synonym for industry).

Thus, they have analyzed the health and nutrition notes of over 700 products to see to what extent they are based on scientific evidence. Products from 15 different countries have been considered: Spain, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, USA and South African Republic. And about 600 products had at least one such note. Something like this appeared in more than half: “contributes to the development of the brain or nervous system.” The second most common said it consolidated the immune system.

These alleged influences were associated with a varied component, but only a quarter referred to clinical trials. These clinical trials, however, were very weak and presented bias.

Researchers say that milk regulations should be tightened up to protect consumers.