Milk and diabetes… more evidence
Several studies suggest that the early introduction of cow’s milk infant formula can lead to type-1 diabetes in some children. This new study adds even more evidence that cow’s milk proteins can trigger this disease. Researchers from Portland, Maine found antibodies to bovine beta-lactoglobulin (a protein in cow’s milk) in the blood of children with diabetes. Those without diabetes did not have antibodies. Type 1 diabetes develops when antibodies destroy the insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Several studies have suggested that cow’s milk proteins may trigger the production of these harmful antibodies.
Goldfarb, M.F. 2008. Relation of time of introduction of cow milk protein to an infant and risk of type-1 diabetes mellitus. Journal of Proteome Research. 7 (5) 2165-2167.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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