Advantages and Disadvantages of Cow's Milk Consumption for Human Health Regarding Cancer, Cardiovascular, Asthma, Autism, and Another Disease - An Overview

Abstract

Cow’s milk (CM) and its products are of great importance as food for human consumption. This study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of using CM for human health. The use of CM in nutrition has been known for a very long time and occupies a special place in nutrition. CM is a complete nutrient, provides us with energy in the form of lactose and fat, is rich in protein, the most important building block of all body cells, and contains numerous vitamins and minerals, especially bone-friendly calcium. Therefore, a diet without CM and its products is not possible in many countries today. However, according to current knowledge, the consumption of CM and its products can cause problems in some people, such as cancer risk, protein allergies, lactose intolerance, cardiovascular and heart diseases, asthma, autism, and other diseases. High CM consumption significantly increases the risk of prostate, breast, bladder, and ovarian cancer, while conversely CM consumption reduces the risk of stomach and colon cancer. Furthermore, there is no clear association between CM consumption and other types of cancer such as pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. The association between CM and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is also unclear, as the presented results are contradictory. It was found that no clear connection could be established between asthma symptoms and milk consumption. It is noteworthy that milk-derived opioid peptides are potential factors in the pathogenesis of autism.

In conclusion, further research is needed to clarify the exact role of milk and dairy products in the risk of cancer, asthma, autism, and other diseases.

Keywords: Asthma; Autism; Breast Cancer; Cardiovascular Disease, Cow’s Milk; Prostate Cancer

Citation

Kaskous S. Advantages and Disadvantages of Cow's Milk Consumption for Human Health Regarding Cancer, Cardiovascular, Asthma, Autism, and Another Disease - An Overview. WebLog J Cancer Clin Res. wjcacr.2025.j2701. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17447588