Studies are confirming that the artificial growth hormones used in raising cows may cause serious health problems. Some of these artificial hormones include progesterone, testosterone and melengestrol. rBGH is the most prevalent artificial substance used in cows, since cows produce up to 20% more milk when given this growth hormone.
Effects
Studies cited in the book "What's in Your Milk" by Dr. Samuel Epstein show a correlation between human consumption of cows who are given growth hormones and developmental and reproductive problems. Some scientists also now believe there is a correlation to prostate and breast cancers as well.
Environmental Concerns
There are also environmental concerns and subsequent health impacts to the use of growth hormones in cows. Hormones end up in manure, and ultimately in drinking water. This process can also disrupt the natural aquatic ecosystem by creating an unnatural hormonal imbalance in fish.
Antibiotic resistance
Other risks of the use of growth hormones such as rBST to people include future resistance to antibiotics. A study in Scientific Review by the Joint Expert Committee (SRJEC) on Food Additives links the antibiotic residue in milk production to ineffectiveness of antibiotics in humans.
Cell Division
The SRJEC study also concluded that the growth hormone IGF-I makes its way into the gastrointestinal tract of humans, promoting the same cell division as seen in cows. This process can cause excess growth of fat cells in the stomach.
Consider Organics
Although the FDA has yet to ban the use of growth hormones in cows, some studies have linked their use to negative health effects in humans. One way to avoid such hormones is to consume only organic food products, since growth hormones are not permitted in their production.
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