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Does Raw Milk Do a Body Good?
Nutrition & Cancer Prevention
Cow's milk has long been a subject of controversy in cancer prevention and treatment. Complicating matters is that milk comes in many forms — from raw to pasteurized — with varying milk protein compositions. Below is information to help you decide what is best for your situation.
Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk Testing
Licensed raw milk and pasteurized milk are usually produced under different facility standards and equipment setups, mainly because one is sold unheated and the other must be heated to kill germs.
Raw Milk Testing
Each state has its own licensing laws for raw milk — it is illegal to sell raw milk across state lines under federal law. On-site inspections occur regularly, covering pathogens, udder health, herd health, and cooling temperature.
Pasteurization Testing
Pasteurization focuses on verifying a low microbial count post-heating. Regulators permit higher initial microbial counts because pasteurization is assumed to eliminate bacteria and other pathogens.
Pros and Cons of Raw Milk
The evidence on raw milk is genuinely mixed, and context matters enormously — especially for people managing cancer or undergoing treatment.
Key Findings
- Raw milk contains bioactive compounds that reduce the incidence of asthma and respiratory infections in infants who consume it.
- Milk fats (CLA, butyrate, etc.) in both raw and pasteurized milk exhibit anticancer activity, with levels typically higher in milk from grass-fed animals.
- Because raw milk may contain pathogens, healthcare providers do not advise it for people undergoing chemotherapy or those who are immunocompromised.
A1/A2 vs. A2/A2 Milk
You may have noticed some milk labeled A2 on your grocer's shelves. The difference between it and conventional milk comes down to just one amino acid — yet that single substitution has significant health implications.
The Science Behind the Labels
- A2/A2 is the original milk protein. Thousands of years ago, a mutation replaced proline with histidine in the beta-casein gene, creating the A1/A2 milk now widely consumed.
- A1/A2 cows produce more milk, giving farmers a production advantage — but more isn't necessarily better.
- Research links A1/A2 milk consumption to coronary artery disease, immune disorders, heart disease, and type 1 diabetes.
- One study found A2/A2 milk consumption was associated with increased glutathione (the "master antioxidant"), while A1/A2 milk reduced glutathione by limiting cysteine uptake.
"Regular milk may contain both A1 and A2 beta-casein, but A2 milk contains only A2 beta-casein. Some studies suggest that A1 beta-casein may affect health and that A2 beta-casein may be a healthier choice, especially if you have difficulty digesting dairy products."
— HealthlineThe Colon Cancer Connection
Researchers discovered that A1/A2 protein triggers production of an opioid peptide called BCM-7, which causes inflammation in the colon and gastrointestinal discomfort. The implications for colon cancer risk are drawing significant scientific attention.
Research Highlights
- Replacing histidine (A1/A2 milk) with proline (A2/A2 milk) prevents BCM-7 formation, reducing colon inflammation.
- Researchers have speculated that A2/A2 proteins may protect against colon cancer.
- A 2024 study measuring calprotectin — a stool protein that indicates inflammation, a known colon cancer driver — found a dramatic spike in people who drank A1/A2 milk compared to those who drank A2/A2 milk.
- A2/A2 milk encourages growth of B. longum, a beneficial bacterium that produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid supporting colon health. Studies show significantly lower levels of this bacterium in precancerous colon growths.
A Word of Caution
Consumption of milk — whether raw, pasteurized, A1/A2, or A2/A2 — is strongly associated with the onset of prostate cancer. Breast cancer studies also implicate milk consumption in breast cancer onset. This is an important counterbalance to any blanket enthusiasm about milk's health benefits.
The Takeaway
Is raw milk good for you? There is no easy, universal answer. While A2/A2 milk shows promising anti-inflammatory properties, other milk components remain contraindicated in certain cancers. There is much misleading and outdated information circulating on this topic.
The best approach is to consider your own health circumstances, do your research, and consult with your care team before making any changes to your diet or protocol.
References
- Lucey, J. A. (2015). Raw Milk Consumption: Risks and Benefits. Nutrition Today, 50(4), 189–193. https://doi.org/10.1097/NT.0000000000000108
- Shukla, N., Tripathi, A. K., Tiwari, A., & Sharma, K. (2024). Decoding A1 and A2 milk: A thorough exploration. International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development, 7(Special Issue 9), 103–112. https://doi.org/10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i9Sb.1095
- Rodríguez-Alcalá, L. M., Castro-Gómez, M. P., Pimentel, L. L., & Fontecha, J. (2017). Milk fat components with potential anticancer activity — a review. Bioscience Reports, 37(6), BSR20170705. https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20170705
- MD Anderson Cancer Center. (2025). Is raw milk safe? https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/is-raw-milk-safe.h00-159776445.html
- Shukla et al. (2024). [See reference 2.]
- Shukla et al. (2024). [See reference 2.]
- Deth, R., Clarke, A., Ni, J., & Trivedi, M. (2016). Clinical evaluation of glutathione concentrations after consumption of milk containing different subtypes of β-casein. Nutrition Journal, 15(1), 82. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0201-x
- Choi, Y., Kim, N., Song, C. H., Kim, S., & Lee, D. H. (2024). The Effect of A2 Milk on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Comparison to A1/A2 Milk. Journal of Cancer Prevention, 29(2), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.15430/JCP.24.007
- Sargsyan, A., & Dubasi, H. B. (2021). Milk Consumption and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review. The World Journal of Men's Health, 39(3), 419–428. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.200051
- Arafat, H. M., et al. (2023). The association between breast cancer and consumption of dairy products: a systematic review. Annals of Medicine, 55(1), 2198256. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2023.2198256
- Mummah, S., Oelrich, B., Hope, J., Vu, Q., & Gardner, C. D. (2014). Effect of raw milk on lactose intolerance: a randomized controlled pilot study. Annals of Family Medicine, 12(2), 134–141. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1618
Author
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, particularly if you are immunocompromised, undergoing cancer treatment, or managing a chronic health condition.