Like humans and all other mammals, cows are prolific producers of milk, which they use to nurse their offspring. They are so good at it that humans have made an industry of it.
However, the milk in products that we use is different from what comes from the animal (whole milk). It needs to go through different processes to make it safe to consume.
The main steps are:
- Pasteurization: heating of the milk to kill any bacteria or viruses.
- Homogenization: reducing the fat content and making it a more regular consistency, so it doesn’t separate out
- Skimming: removing the top layer of fats and leaving the protein behind. This is how low-fat milk is made.
- Ultrafiltration: Some milks are passed through very fine filters, which purify them and make them last longer in liquid form
- Drying: This removes the moisture from the milk to leave a dry powder, which has a long shelf life in storage.
What’s in It?
Like human milk, cow’s milk contains more than 80% water, with the rest as fats, protein, carbohydrates (lactose), vitamins, and minerals[1]. So, it is a complete package of nutrients. Whole cow’s milk, like human milk, also contains living factors that help stimulate the immune system.
The protein in milk is classified into two main groups – whey and casein. Casein is the part of milk that becomes thicker when it is made into cheese. Casein helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
Whey protein is more soluble and contains a variety of factors, including lactoferrin. It is also easier to digest in tiny tummies. Both casein and whey contain a full profile of essential amino acids.
How are They Different?
Cow’s milk has the same basic composition as human milk, but the proportions are different. Cow’s milk is higher in casein versus whey protein (80:20) compared to human milk (60:40) [2]. Here are some of the main differences:
| Cow’s milk | Human milk | |
| Total protein | 3-4% | 1-2% |
| Total fats | 3-5% | 2-4% |
| Lactose (carbohydrate) | 4-5% | 6-7% |
| Whey/Casein | 80/20 | 60/40 |
| Calcium[3] (mg/litre) | 120 | 28 |
| Phosphorus[4] (mg/litre) | 52 | 9 |
Infant formulas made from cow’s milk are modeled after human milk in many respects. One example is through enriching with whey protein. Also, the processes to make milk safe for human use mean that additional micronutrients are usually added, except for calcium and phosphorus, which are higher in cow’s milk.
What do Health Authorities say?
Although regulators still maintain that breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition, the use of cow’s milk products containing complete nutrient profiles, especially including iron, is recommended by health authorities, such as NHMRC [5].
The World Health Organization recognizes cow’s milk as a source of essential nutrients, and an important source of energy, high-quality protein, and fats [6]. This is especially the case in countries where breastmilk is of lower nutrient quality, due to malnutrition of the mother [7].
Reference
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5149046/#:~:text=Casein%20and%20whey%20protein%20are,%2D%20micelle%20complexes%20(20).
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33123547/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7284997/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021925818845355
- https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n56_infant_feeding_guidelines.pdf
- https://www.fao.org/dairy-production-products/products/milk-composition/en/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/343567/
Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for babies, and it’s crucial to seek professional advice before using infant formula. Introducing bottle feeding can impact breastfeeding, so consider carefully. Besides, good maternal nutrition is critical for breastfeeding, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed may be challenging. Infant formula should always be used according to instructions to ensure the infant’s health. Social and financial implications should be considered when determining a method of feeding.
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.
