In the quest for increased dairy production, the overuse of oxytocin has become a concerning practice in the dairy industry. While this hormone plays a natural role in both human and animal biology, its synthetic counterpart, when used excessively, can pose serious health risks. Let’s dive into the impacts of oxytocin overuse on our health and why it's essential to pay attention to this issue.
To get a detailed understanding on what is oxytocin and how it affects the health of human beings, OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Roohi Pirzada, MBBS, ex-intensivist, Bombay Hospital, Criticare Hospital, Sugun Hospital, Mumbai.
What is Oxytocin?
Defining oxytocin, Dr Pirzada said, “Oxytocin is a natural hormone that manages key aspects of female and male reproductive systems including labour and delivery, followed by lactation. Hypothalamus in the brain makes it and is released by the posterior pituitary gland and it then circulates in the bloodstream.”
In humans and animals, it facilitates childbirth and lactation. In the dairy industry, synthetic oxytocin is administered to cows to increase milk let-down and production, aiming to meet the high demand for milk and milk products.
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The Overuse in Dairy Farming
In India and many other countries, dairy farmers use synthetic oxytocin injections to boost milk production. This practice might seem beneficial for increasing yield, but it has significant downsides. According to Pirzada, oxytocin has over the past decades been used in the dairy farming sector where its properties as a lactation enhancer have been used to increase milk production amongst milch animals. Adding further, she said, “The drug has also been used by farmers to increase the size of and speed up the ripening of fruits and vegetables. Misuse of this drug is widespread and unregulated and as such is the cause for deterioration of health of milch cattle.” The misuse and overuse of oxytocin can lead to health problems not only in the cattle but also in the humans consuming the milk.
Health Risks For Humans
When humans consume milk from cows treated with synthetic oxytocin, several health risks arise.
Hormonal Imbalance
Residual oxytocin in milk can lead to hormonal disruptions in humans, potentially affecting reproductive health. According to Dr Pirzada, drinking milk from oxytocin treated cattle can lead to impotence in men. She also said, “Oxytocin found in milk and dairy products significantly reduced the age of menarche in girls from 16 years to 10 years.”
Growth and Development Issues
Children are particularly vulnerable. Consumption of oxytocin-laden milk may impact their growth and development, possibly causing premature puberty. Dr Pirzada said this milk is also responsible for imbalanced hearing and decreased vision in children.
Complications in Pregnancy
Dr Pirzada advised that pregnant women should avoid milk without proper decoction. Use of such milk in pregnancy may lead to miscarriages and babies can be born with malformations as per a study by International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts.
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Legal and Ethical Concerns
Despite these health risks, the regulation of oxytocin use in dairy farming remains lax in many regions. In India, for instance, while the law mandates a prescription for oxytocin use, enforcement is often weak, and illegal use is rampant. This not only raises ethical questions about animal welfare but also about consumer rights and public health safety.
Conclusion
The overuse of oxytocin in dairy farming is a pressing issue that demands attention. While it might offer short-term benefits in milk production, the long-term health risks to both animals and humans cannot be ignored. As consumers, staying informed and making conscious choices can help protect our health and promote more ethical farming practices. Let's milk the benefits of knowledge and steer towards healthier, more sustainable dairy consumption.