Does raw milk contain more nutrients than pasteurized milk?
No. Pasteurized milk provides the same nutritional benefits as raw milk without the risks, according to the CDC. Raw milk can carry harmful germs even from carefully run farms. Milk remains a good source of protein, calcium and other nutrients either way.
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In this article
Does raw milk have more nutrients?
No meaningful difference has been shown. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that pasteurized milk provides the same nutritional benefits as raw milk without the risks. Pasteurization is heating milk to kill disease-causing germs.
What raw milk can carry
CDC says raw milk and products made from it can carry germs such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella and Salmonella. Good farm practices can reduce contamination, but they cannot guarantee safety.
Who is at highest risk
- Children under 5.
- Adults over 65.
- Pregnant women.
- People with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. Severe complications can include Guillain-Barre syndrome and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which may lead to paralysis, kidney failure, stroke or death.
The claims you will hear
- More vitamins and enzymes: CDC says pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits.
- Easier to digest or better for allergies: I found no reliable evidence supporting this, and CDC does not endorse it.
Safer choices
- Choose pasteurized milk, yogurt and cheese and read the label.
- Keep milk refrigerated at 40 degrees F or colder.
- Do not leave perishable food out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90 degrees F).
- Throw away expired or spoiled milk.
If you already drink raw milk
Be aware of the risk, especially for children and pregnant women. Ask a doctor if you have symptoms after drinking it.
People also ask
Is raw milk more nutritious than pasteurized?
CDC says pasteurized milk gives the same nutritional benefits without the risks.
Is raw milk safe if the farm is clean?
CDC says good farm practices cannot guarantee safety from harmful germs.
Who should never drink raw milk?
Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk.
Sources
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