Breastfeeding from Cows: New Milk to Mimic Human Breast Milk
There has always been a debate between breastfeeding, formula feeding and cows milk. Studies have always shown that breast milk is superior to cow’s milk for child development. But what if you can purchase a substitute to breast milk in your local grocery store?
In a new leap towards simulating human nature, scientists are developing cows that yield enhanced milk in hopes of developing a breast milk substitute. By enhancing cow’s milk they were able to produce milk that holds health promoting properties that are similar to breast milk. In the past cows milk was lacking antibodies that are needed in infants to fight bacteria and viruses.
The two main components of breast milk are 60% whey protein and 40% casein, where cow’s milk is made up of 20% whey protein and 80% casein, making it harder to digest than breast milk. The new milk created by the gene induced cows hold more human proteins that allow it to be digested easier and hold similar nutrient enriched properties that are needed by newborns.
The new milk is being developed not as a substitute but as a cure for debilitating diarrhea that has been plaguing children. Five million children contract debilitating diarrhea each year, at least half of these children die from dehydration and other related health effects. The new milk is being produced to eliminate the cause of the diarrhea. Scientists also hope to use the milk to treat other afflictions such as Crohn’s disease and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Though the new milk is proving to be enriched with human proteins beneficial to child development, many scientists are skeptical about the claims made. To state the enriched bovine milk is a suitable replacement for mother’s milk is a reckless claim. With the beneficial nutrients only found in breast milk, the new milk only highlights one protein; lysozyme, a protein that breaks down the cell walls of bacteria.
Though the technology is still new, scientists are confident the new milk will eventually be ready for animal and human testing. They are planning to commercialize some of the research in as little as 3 years; however it may take much longer before you will find the new milk available in your grocery store.
Scientists are still working towards mimicking the nutritional and physical attributes of breast milk. They increased the fat content, increased taste, and made the consistency to resemble natural mother’s milk. With genetically enhanced foods becoming more and more controversial there is great debate on the benefits and risks associated with substituting breast milk.
Soon there may be yet another option for new mothers where feeding their newborn is concerned. The current breast milk substitute, formula, has been called inferior and inadequate. In a study conducted in 2006, 77% of new mothers still breastfeed. Aside from the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding, there are psychological studies that show breastfeeding creates a bond between mother and child. With the new milk development there is currently more risk than reward and scientists claim that nature is still ahead of technology when our children’s development is concerned.
A UK resident, Tony Laughton is a personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Tony suggests checking online for your gym supplements, where you will find more detailed information and savings on items such as PhD diet whey.