Study Questioned on Accuracy of Cow's Milk Linked to Diabetes

Experts are questioning the accuracy of a new study that was done on the link of early consumption of cow’s milk and an increased risk in developing type-1 diabetes. According to a recent report, experts who reviewed the study say that “the research is mixed on the suspected link and the new report does not offer conclusive proof of cause and effect.” Should you be worried? Let’s review the evidence behind this recent claim . . .

Experts are questioning the accuracy of a new study that was done on the link of early consumption of cow’s milk and an increased risk in developing type-1 diabetes. 

According to a recent report, experts who reviewed the study say that “the research is mixed on the suspected link and the new report does not offer conclusive proof of cause and effect.”

While these experts strongly support breastfeeding, they also note those mothers who can't or choose not to breastfeed shouldn't be alarmed by the report.

The Theory of Formula Linked to Diabetes
Marcia F. Goldfarb, who is the author of this new report, Journal of Proteome Research from Anatek-EP of Portland, Maine, said that the protein, beta-lacto globulin, is found in cow’s milk, but not in human breast milk.  The protein is similar in structure to the human protein glycodelin. 

Goldfarb states, “An infant's immature immune system may destroy the glycodelin in an effort to destroy the look-alike "foreign" protein beta-lacto globulin.”

According to Goldfarb, glycodelin helps to protect against infection by controlling the production of the body’s T-cells.  She says, “If glycodelin is destroyed, there could be an overproduction of T cells.”  
 
Type-1 diabetes is caused when T-cells destroy the insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas, according to Goldfarb.

The Theory of Cow’s Milk Linked to Diabetes
In the report, Goldfarb notes the conflicting results of studies looking at early introduction of formula (before four months) and diabetes. She evaluated blood samples taken from five adults without diabetes and five children and teens who all had type-1 diabetes.

Her findings were that in the adults, two people had antibodies to beta-lacto globulin and in the children, all five had these antibodies.

Other researchers have indicated that beta-lacto globulin could generate antibodies to glycodelin. Goldfarb goes one step further as to say that “the immature immune system sees the beta-lacto globulin as foreign, produces the antibody which cross-reacts with the glycodelin, and triggers the diabetes.”

What do food scientists have to say about this study?
"She [Goldfarb] is making some jumps in her logic," says Mary Ellen Camire, PhD, professor of food science and human nutrition at the University of Maine, Orono.

"She hasn't proven that the beta-lacto globulin generates antibodies to the glycodelin -- and that's what causes the type-1 diabetes," Camire says. While the theory is plausible, "she hasn't provided the experimental research to document it," Camire says. "A lot of people receive infant formula and do not develop diabetes."

What does a pediatrician say about this study?
“The research showing an association between cow's milk and diabetes has been very mixed,” adds Jennifer Shu, MD, an Atlanta pediatrician and co-author of the book Food Fights, an American Academy of Pediatrics' guide.

''It is interesting to know and may be useful," she says of the new report. "However, there have been many studies, as even they mention, that refute their findings."

The research provides "another strong message to support breastfeeding." But while breastfeeding is strongly recommended, "for people who can't or choose not to breastfeed, the only safe alternative is infant formula," Shu says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding, which also includes possibly reducing the risk of diabetes. And, Mary Martin Nordness, RD, an ambassador for the National Dairy Council, says “the council supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to breastfeed.”