rBGH in Our Dairy Products Part One : Links to Cancer

rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) also known as rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin) is an artificial growth hormone induced in dairy cattle to increase milk productivity and, for the last 10 years, has been a staple in the dairy products consumed by Americans. Although not labeled as containing rBGH /rBST, much of the milk, cheese and yogurt that we feed to our families contains it.

rBGH and Our Health
According to the Center for Food Safety, recent research has shown conclusively that the levels of a hormone called “insulin-like growth factor-1” (IGF-1) are elevated in milk produced from cows treated with rBGH. Canadian and European regulators have found that the FDA completely failed to consider a study that showed how the increased IGF-1 in rBGH milk could survive digestion and make its way into the intestines and blood stream of consumers. These findings are significant because numerous studies now demonstrate that IGF-1 is an important factor in the growth of cancers of the breast, prostate and colon.

The governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the European Union have banned  rBGH use due to concerns that it damages the health of the cows and, possibly those who drink the milk.

What can you do?

1. Look for the words “no artificial hormones or antibiotics used” on the milk carton the next time you shop. If in doubt, buy certified organic milk, which guarantees no hormones or drugs were used. It also contains a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids, among other nutrients, too.
2. Write to Congress to tell them we have a right to know whether our milk products contain rBGH: Click Here.
3. Sign the petition to expel hormones from school milk. Click Here.