The opiate-like effects of the casomorphin in cow’s milk may have a depressive effect on the respiratory center of infants, and lead to “milk apnea,” in which babies temporarily stop breathing, and are placed at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (crib death).
Cow’s Milk-Induced Infant Apnoea
Doctor's Note
Today is the first of a three-video series on the latest evidence implicating bovine casomorphin in apnoea, crib death (see Cow’s Milk Casomorphin and Crib Death), and autism (see Cow’s Milk Casomorphin and Autism).
You can also check out my other videos on dairy, as well as my other videos on children’s health.
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17 responses to “Cow’s Milk-Induced Infant Apnoea”
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Today is the first of a three-video series on the latest evidence implicating bovine casomorphin in apnea, crib death, and autism–stay tuned! In the meantime, help yourself to the 49 other videos on dairy, 44 videos on child health, and hundreds of other videos on more than a thousand subjects.
There is a reason I get up every morning and watch your videos first. . . They save lives!!!! My patients lives!
As always, keep up the great work!
Thank you for being a good doctor,30 years I had been suffer for skin irritation,very bad allergy,constipation and so many others sickness from eating dairy,non doctor ever suggested me that could be dairy problem. I had to figured out all by my self.Now I’m over 60 30 years dairy free and 10 years happy vegan.
Hi Michael
So you are suggesting to avoid cow milk baby formula?
what should we pay attention in a vegetarian formula?
Thank you in advance
The best food for infants is breast milk followed by a transition to whole foods appropriately prepared given the infants age. Most young mother’s I encounter tell me their doctors recommend avoiding cow’s milk until age 2. I would extend that indefinitely as I see no data to support it’s use when adequate calories are available from healthier alternatives. It is important to work with your physicians in deciding what alternatives are most appropriate as far as non-dairy formula’s. PCRM’s Nutrition for Kids is an excellent resource for older children. Unfortunately I haven’t seen a good resource for infants who are not able to be breast fed.
What if breast feeding is not an option?
Donor milk
I agree that using donor milk is an option for women who for whatever reason are unable to breast feed. Although we like to think we can “engineer” a replacement product as good as the original product we are certainly not there yet. However if donor milk is unavailable you should work with a knowledgeable health care professional.
Also be sure to check out my associated blog post Cow’s Milk Casomorphin, Crib Death, and Autism!
I feel like this is so situational… maybe I’m a biased advocate for raw, organic milk, but I’d like to have more details before I jump to the conclusion that milk is bad for babies (which seems to be the message this video gives.) Where does the milk come from? Is this the ONLY kid they’ve experimented with? Was he just allergic to milk or lactose intolerant? 7-10% is ALOT of kids, but what type of milk are they drinking? Milk from cows who stand in their own shit all day and eat nothing but genetically modified feed that is completely different from their natural diet?
Okay, I’ll get off my soap box now… lol.
I agree with you totally Alexandria Wyatt. Today there are many choices of cow milk out there; just like the multitude of choices of breads and vitamins and chocolates. Some I will not touch or think of putting into my mouth. So I have learnt to be “very selective”. Too many of the Cows and their milk are not cared for as to the best of our health. Whatever the cow is feed is going to carry over into the milk. Go organic… but better yet Go organic Grassfed and the healthy fatty acids will be in the milk and nutrients in choice cow milk if cared for properly. I am very fortunate to find a farm where the cows are breed and cared to produce healthy milk; because that farmer knows and cares and will do the extra work and inconvenience to make it happen for his customers. Plus milk in glass or stainless steel containers are my preference; and the milk as cold and fresh as I can find it, My find may be rare but I know I found a treasure!
Since there is no fiber in mothers milk, why aren’t most babies constipated?
Human Brest milk adjusts to the human baby’s needs.
How about adult apnea (or snoring) ? Could a plant-based diet help reduce snoring?
What vegan milk would Dr. Gregor recommend for a one year old?
Hello! My name is Megan and I am a nutrition student and volunteer for NutritionFacts. As far as needing any type of milk, the only milk that a one-year-old would need (if they are not already weaned) is breastmilk. However, if you are wanting milk alternatives I know a few plant-based moms who have tried rice milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and even macadamia milk. I would avoid coconut milk as it has been associate with higher cholesterol levels (See Dr. Greger’s videos on coconut milk). Here is a great resource for parents trying to raise plant-based kids: https://www.forksoverknives.com/diet-children-and-the-future/. I think it’s got some great information and answers a lot of common questions. Hope this helps!
So, what are the concentrations of casomorphins in human breastmilk of a vegan? I’m assuming it is lower than dairy milk drinking mothers.