Is Your Child Gulping Down Raw Milk? Paediatrician Shares 3 Major Dangers You Should Know

Milk is a powerhouse of several healthy nutrients and is seen as a mandatory must-have for children. However, nothing is ever devoid of downsides. Children often sneak into the kitchen and gulp down raw milk directly from bottles and utensils– several of us have done the same. But, what if we told you that consuming raw milk can be severely dangerous for your child?

We at OnlyMyHealth spoke to a paediatrician; Dr Anmol Shandilya, MD Paediatrics, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj to uncover the dangers of raw milk consumption among children. 

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When Is It A Cause For Concern?

"If the milk is packaged, it's already pasteurised, so it doesn't really matter if you warm it or not," Dr. Shandilya stated. “However, if the milk is taken straight from a cow or buffalo, we have to warm it to a specific temperature before feeding the child because of several reasons”, said our expert. 

Here’s Why Raw Milk Consumption Is Risky For Children

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 202 outbreaks were connected to consuming raw milk between 1998 and 2018. There were 228 hospitalisations and 2,645 illnesses as a result of these outbreaks. In light of the same, our expert, Dr Shandilya listed down the following dangers of raw milk consumption in children.

Serious Gastrointestinal Issues in Developing Children

Raw milk is unpasteurised, meaning it hasn’t been heated to eliminate harmful bacteria. Research suggests those consuming raw milk are at higher risk of serious gastrointestinal infections due to pathogens like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, and Salmonella. 

Since a child’s gut is still maturing, their ability to fight off these infections is significantly lower compared to adults. This makes gastrointestinal illnesses from raw milk particularly severe in children.

High Risk of Bacterial Infections Like Salmonella, Listeria, and Botulism

Raw milk is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which are killed during the pasteurisation process. The CDC too warns that raw milk can contain dangerous microbes like:

Salmonella

Causes fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. In children, salmonella infections can lead to severe dehydration or bloodstream infections. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that raw milk contains salmonella.

Listeria

Particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Research on PubMed Central found that raw milk is a primary vehicle for listeria.

Botulism

Rare but deadly, botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum. Even small amounts of contamination can lead to life-threatening paralysis. Children, especially infants, are highly susceptible due to their immature digestive systems.

Poor Mineral and Vitamin Absorption

Another critical drawback of raw milk is its potential to impair nutrient absorption. Raw milk can carry harmful enzymes that degrade certain vitamins. Vitamin D, crucial for calcium absorption, may not be as effective in raw milk due to bacterial activity, reducing its overall nutritional benefit.

RELATED: Ask The Expert: Should You Boil Packaged Milk Too?

What Can Parents Do About This?

Pasteurisation, the process of heating milk to eliminate pathogens, is a proven method for making milk safe without significantly reducing its nutritional content. Health authorities, including the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), strongly advise against giving raw milk to children. The risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. Dr Shandilya recommends the right temperature for heating milk is 63 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes or 72 degrees Celsius for 15 seconds.

By choosing pasteurised milk, parents can protect their children from severe illnesses and ensure they receive the full nutritional benefits of milk without harmful contaminants. Parents can boil the milk as soon as they receive it, in case their children try to consume raw milk when not being supervised. By following simple tips, parents can keep their children away from harm, coursing through the path towards optimal health!