Can I drink raw milk with cancer?

Some people think that drinking raw milk would be good for cancer. There is no scientific evidence that raw milk is good for health.

In fact, it can contain pathogenic bacteria that people with reduced resistance (for example due to illness) should pay extra attention to.

What is meant by raw milk?

Raw milk is milk that comes fresh from the cow, goat or other animal without first being boiled or pasteurized, as is the case with regular milk. For the farmer who offers raw milk, a number of rules have been laid down that the milk must comply with.

Raw milk is a different type of dairy product than colostrum. Read more about colostrum here.

What does research show?

Drinking raw milk is possible, but there are risks involved.

Raw milk can be contaminated with bacteria. This entails health risks for young children, pregnant women and people with a reduced immune system, such as people who are being treated for cancer. Drinking raw milk is not recommended for these groups.

The contamination of the milk can happen in several ways. Bacteria can enter the milk during milking, for example through the udders or the milking machine. After milking, airborne contamination or improper storage can occur. The raw milk must always be heated before consumption. This can eliminate most bacteria. This heating is called pasteurization and must be done at 72 degrees Celsius for at least 20 seconds.

Our advice

Do not drink raw milk during cancer treatment.

Read also:

Can I drink milk if I suffer from mucus formation?

Is it good to use colostrum if I have cancer?

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