Milky malady
humans are the only animals who consume the milk of other species and continue with it long after the age of weaning. However, this can lead to problems. Recent studies have linked the consumption of cow's milk with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (iddm), commonly known as diabetes, which is caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas (The Lancet, Vol 348, No 9032).
It has been known that in many people there is a gradual reduction in the activity of an enzyme lactase that sets in after weaning. They are unable to digest the milk sugar lactose. Research has, however, shown that persons who cannot tolerate lactose are likely to suffer from negligible symptoms if they restrict the amount of milk they drink to about 240 cubic cm (one large glassful) a day.
Previous studies have shown that there is a small increase