Consuming farm milk helps reduce the risk of asthma and allergy in children. Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland studied 14,893 children, between 5 and 13 years of age, who were drawn from farm, rural, and suburban communities across Europe. Their food consumption was assessed through parental questionnaires. They found that all children drinking unpasteurised farm milk and eating other farm-related dairy products showed the same level of protection against asthma and allergies, regardless of whether they were living on a farm or not. The benefits were greatest when consumption of farm milk began during the first year of life. However, consumption of raw milk that has not been boiled is not recommended, as raw milk may contain (disease-causing bacteria) such as salmonella or Escherichia coli and its consumption may have serious health risks. Farm milk consumption was tied to reduced risks of asthma and allergy. As noted, these benefits were apparent regardless of the child's area of residence. Further studies are needed to identify the properties of farm milk that confer protection against asthma and allergy. In addition, there is a need for research looking at ways of making the product safer, while still retaining the benefits.
Clinical and Experimental Allergy,
May 2007