[WORLD] A growing number of social media posts on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are encouraging pregnant women to drink unpasteurized milk for health reasons. Is this good advise for a soon-to-be mom? Milk, after all, is high in protein and contains both easily digestible fat and a number of beneficial vitamins. The surge in social media influencers promoting raw milk consumption during pregnancy has raised significant concerns among healthcare professionals and food safety experts. This trend, often accompanied by claims of enhanced nutritional benefits and "natural" goodness, has gained traction despite longstanding warnings from medical authorities. The allure of these posts, which often feature aesthetically pleasing imagery and personal anecdotes, has led to a dangerous misinformation spread that could potentially put the health of pregnant women and their unborn children at risk.
Although many internet posts claim that raw or unpasteurized milk is helpful during pregnancy, physicians strongly warn pregnant women not to consume it. Some individuals enjoy unpasteurized milk because it has a "particularly full-bodied and aromatic taste," according to one German food safety organization, but health experts caution that intake is "not without risk." According to the UK Food Standards Agency, "raw or unpasteurised milk and cream may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning".
Raw milk is basically unprocessed milk from cows, sheep, and goats. It has not been exposed to high temperatures or extensive microbiological testing. Due to the lack of heat treatment, any bacteria present in the milk are not eliminated and can grow. Pasteurisation, or moderate heat, was developed in the nineteenth century to eradicate them before ingestion. At the time, the goal was to protect people from diseases such as TB, which consumer advocates claim can be spread through milk. To accomplish so, heat the milk to 72 degrees Celsius for 15 seconds.
The debate surrounding raw milk consumption is not new, but its resurgence in the context of pregnancy nutrition has alarmed public health officials. Dr. Sarah Thompson, an obstetrician specializing in high-risk pregnancies, emphasizes, "The potential risks of consuming unpasteurized milk during pregnancy far outweigh any perceived benefits. The immune system changes during pregnancy make women more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, which can have severe consequences for both the mother and the developing fetus." This sentiment is echoed by numerous medical associations worldwide, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which strongly advises against the consumption of raw milk products during pregnancy.
What was once used to battle tuberculosis could now prevent the H5N1 avian flu virus from spreading, for example. The virus currently affects birds and mammals all across the world, and it was recently found in dairy cows in the United States. Although the risk to humans is minor, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming pasteurized milk products rather than raw milk.
Untreated milk may also include germs like salmonella, listeria, Escherichia coli, and campylobacter, which can cause serious infections. A research commissioned by Germany's Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) discovered potentially hazardous microorganisms in up to 5% of 360 raw milk samples examined several years ago. Multidrug-resistant bacteria were found in around 10% of the samples.
The prevalence of harmful bacteria in raw milk samples is particularly concerning given the potential consequences for pregnant women. Listeria monocytogenes, one of the pathogens frequently found in unpasteurized dairy products, can cause listeriosis, a condition that poses serious risks during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population. The infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. These stark statistics underscore the importance of avoiding raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products during pregnancy.
Vulnerable persons, such as small children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women, are especially vulnerable because dangerous bacteria or germs can cause severe intestinal inflammation or kidney difficulties, according to BVL. Hormonal changes during pregnancy reduce a woman's immune system. As a result, expectant mothers are more vulnerable to infections, which might endanger their babies.
The rise of social media as a primary source of health information has complicated efforts to educate the public about food safety during pregnancy. A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that pregnancy-related content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok often lacks scientific backing and can spread misinformation rapidly. Dr. Michael Chen, a public health researcher specializing in digital health communication, notes, "The challenge we face is not just about countering misinformation, but also about making evidence-based health advice as engaging and accessible as the misleading content that proliferates on social media." This highlights the need for healthcare providers and public health organizations to adapt their communication strategies to effectively reach and inform pregnant women in the digital age.
Pregnant women should protect themselves from toxoplasmosis and listeria, which are primarily spread through food. That is why health professionals often advise people to avoid raw animal products. This includes unpasteurized dairy, raw beef, and raw seafood. If you are doubtful, you can boil the milk; however, milk purchased from a store is normally safe because it is heat-treated before sale. Anyone who buys raw milk directly from a farm or market should boil it at home. Heat the milk to 72°C for 20 to 30 seconds. Once the milk begins to bubble and foam, remove it from the heat.
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