The Intel Hub
Rachel Christine
Originally Published on April 4, 2011
The introduction of genetically modified dairy cows to produce human milk has become a reality. The genetically modified cows will produce milk containing immune boosting nutrients lysozyme, lactoferrin, and alph-lactalbumin to make the milk more similar to humans.
This is not the first time milk has been modified. Monsanto created Posilac, a recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to be used in dairy cows. Currently Posilac is now owned by Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly. The United States is the only developed nation to permit humans to drink milk given rBGH. If you are concerned, look for labels that specifically state rBGH-Free.
How is it illegal to buy and sell raw milk in many states, yet genetically modified milk is accepted and legal? How can “they” assure the safety of these products? Do you want to be used as a guinea pig to determine safety? If not then it is best to avoid these products once they become mass produced.
While this milk promises to provide three key nutrients can this product truly mimic human breast milk? Human milk contains antimicrobial factors, digestive enzymes, hormones, fatty acids, trophic factors, vitamins, minerals, and growth modulators.
Breast milk composition is not constant and varies with stages of lactation, so how could a cow possibly be able to produce the nutrition that human infants need? In reality the genetic modification of milk may lead to more allergies and digestive problems.
Currently diseases such as Crohn’s and Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be caused by the abundance of genetically modified, pesticide laden, processed foods consumed. Also of concern is the food these GMO cows will be eating. Currently many cows are fed GMO corn, unless pasture raised. Do you really want to consume GMO milk from a cow that only eats GMO’s?
Clearly this is about profit over health. Some how our ancestors survived without the genetic modification of their food. One way to solve the problem of GMO’s is to vote with your dollar and buy Non-GMO products whenever possible. If you are interested in learning what products/ingredients to avoid check out the the Non GMO Projects website at http://www.nongmoproject.org/
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