Say No to School Milk
Leading health charity the Viva Health is urging parents to request that their children are not offered cow’s milk at school because of the health problems associated with it. Viva Health’s Senior Health Campaigner Dr Justine Butler says “The Dairy Industry often sends glossy promotional materials to schools putting pressure on teachers to encourage children to drink milk. However, a growing body of scientific evidence links cow’s milk to a large number of childhood illnesses and shows that cow’s milk is not the best source of calcium. There are many healthier alternatives including water, soya milk and fruit juice“.
The Viva Health has produced a standard letter for parents to download from their website www.vegetarian.org.uk and send in to their children’s school asking that their child opt out of the school milk scheme.
Says Dr Butler “Viva Healths’s White Lies report exposed a huge body of scientific evidence linking cow’s milk to a large number of childhood illnesses: Cow’s milk is the single biggest cause of food allergies (eczema and asthma) in UK children. Allergic reactions to milk can lead to intestinal bleeding and iron-deficiency anaemia. Early exposure to cow’s milk has been linked to type 1 diabetes. Cow’s milk may cause ear infections. The growth hormone IGF-1 in milk is linked to an increased risk of childhood cancers. The hormones in milk have been linked to teenage acne. Dairy products contribute significant amounts of cholesterol, animal protein and saturated animal fat to the diet, increasing the risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and other degenerative diseases.” Dr Butler says “Cow’s milk is promoted as the best source of calcium, important for growing bones. However, most people in the world don’t drink milk; over 70% of the world’s population can’t digest the sugar in milk as they are lactose intolerant“.
In fact, the research shows that: Across the world the highest consumers of milk suffer the highest levels of osteoporosis. Animal protein in milk can promote calcium loss from the bone leading to osteoporosis. Physical exercise is the most important factor for building strong bones. A recent review of 58 studies on milk published in the journal Pediatrics concluded that there is little evidence to support encouraging adolescents to drink more milk for the sake of bone health. Buy the fully-referenced scientific review White Lies for £5.00 from the Viva Health by phoning 0117 970 5190 or online at www.vegetarian.org.uk
For more information contact Dr Justine Butler at the VVF on 0117 970 5190 or email info@vegetarian.org.uk
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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