Does Buffalo Milk Have IGF-1? An In-Depth Analysis

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that IGF-1 levels in milk can vary based on the animal's life cycle and management, even confirming its presence in buffalo milk through research involving hormone treatment. This raises the important question for many consumers: does buffalo milk have IGF-1, and what are the actual health implications?

Quick Summary

Buffalo milk naturally contains the growth factor IGF-1, like all mammalian milk. Concentrations fluctuate based on lactation stage and other factors, including the use of growth hormones. Digestive processes render most dietary IGF-1 inactive in humans, and major health organizations deem it safe for consumption.

Key Points

Natural Presence: IGF-1 is a natural growth factor found in all mammalian milk, including buffalo milk, to promote infant growth.
Variable Levels: The concentration of IGF-1 in buffalo milk can vary based on the stage of lactation, animal health, and, if used, growth hormone treatments.
Digestive Inactivation: The human digestive system effectively breaks down IGF-1 from milk, meaning very little, if any, is absorbed intact into the bloodstream.
Negligible Risk: Major health authorities, including the FDA and UK's COC, have concluded that dietary IGF-1 from milk consumption is not considered a health risk to consumers.
Processing Effects: Standard pasteurization does not significantly destroy IGF-1, but high-temperature treatment can denature the hormone.
Minimal Contribution: The amount of IGF-1 from milk is minuscule compared to what the human body produces naturally.

The Natural Presence of IGF-1

Insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1, is a naturally occurring peptide hormone found in all mammals, playing a crucial role in regulating cellular growth, differentiation, and metabolism. It is a normal constituent of all milk, as its primary function is to promote growth in the offspring. Therefore, the simple answer to the question "Does buffalo milk have IGF-1?" is yes. Like cow's milk and human milk, buffalo milk contains this growth factor, which is vital for a newborn's development.

Factors Influencing IGF-1 Levels

Several factors can cause the concentration of IGF-1 in milk to fluctuate. These include:

Lactation Stage: Levels are significantly higher in colostrum, the milk produced immediately after giving birth, and decrease over the course of the lactation period.
Animal Health and Diet: The overall health, breed, and nutritional intake of the buffalo can influence IGF-1 levels.
Use of Growth Hormones: Research has explicitly demonstrated that buffaloes treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) showed a significant increase in IGF-1 levels in their serum and milk. While the use of rbST is banned in many countries, this study confirms the hormonal pathway for IGF-1 production in buffaloes. Even in naturally produced milk, there is a normal physiological range of IGF-1.
Fat Content: Studies on bovine milk have found a positive correlation between IGF-1 concentration and the milk's fat content. Given buffalo milk's higher fat content, this factor may also influence its IGF-1 levels compared to lower-fat milk types.

The Safety of Dietary IGF-1 for Humans

Concerns have sometimes been raised about the potential link between dietary IGF-1 and certain health conditions, including cancer. However, the vast majority of scientific evidence suggests these fears are largely unfounded for the average, healthy adult.

First and foremost, the human digestive system is highly efficient at breaking down protein structures, including IGF-1, just like other proteins found in food. This means that very little, if any, of the IGF-1 consumed is absorbed intact into the bloodstream. The UK Committee on Carcinogenicity (COC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both reviewed extensive data and concluded that IGF-1 from milk and other food sources is not expected to pose an increased health risk to consumers.

Secondly, the amount of IGF-1 produced by the human body naturally is orders of magnitude greater than the amount consumed from dietary sources like milk. A healthy adult's saliva and digestive secretions contain far more IGF-1 than a typical daily milk intake, further minimizing the impact of dietary sources. Some studies have suggested a modest increase in circulating IGF-1 levels associated with high dairy intake, but no causal link has been established between this dietary intake and an increased risk of cancer.

Buffalo Milk vs. Cow Milk: IGF-1 and Other Comparisons

When comparing IGF-1 levels, it's important to remember that natural variation within species is significant, influenced by breed, diet, and lactation stage. While precise comparative data for natural IGF-1 levels in buffalo versus cow milk is not extensively documented in general nutritional comparisons, the primary differences lie in the overall macronutrient profile. The potential for elevated IGF-1 via hormone treatment is a consideration for both species, but the safety for human consumption remains consistent.

Nutritional Comparison: Buffalo Milk vs. Whole Cow Milk


Nutrient	Buffalo Milk	Whole Cow Milk
Calories	Higher (approx. 237/cup)	Lower (approx. 149/cup)
Fat Content	Significantly Higher (approx. 17g/cup)	Lower (approx. 8g/cup)
Protein Content	Higher (approx. 9.2g/cup)	Lower (approx. 8g/cup)
Calcium	Higher (approx. 32% DV)	Lower (approx. 21% DV)
Antioxidants	Higher, particularly fat-soluble vitamins like A and E	Lower
Water Content	Lower (approx. 83%)	Higher (approx. 88%)
Texture	Richer and Creamier	Less creamy

Conclusion: Understanding the Full Picture

In conclusion, yes, buffalo milk does have IGF-1, as does all mammalian milk. The presence of this growth factor is a normal biological function. The amount of IGF-1 can vary naturally based on factors like the buffalo's lactation stage and, in cases of hormonal treatment, the use of substances like rbST. However, for the average human consumer, the health concerns surrounding dietary IGF-1 are minimal. The hormone is largely broken down by the digestive system and does not contribute significantly to the body's overall IGF-1 levels. When choosing between buffalo and cow milk, consumers are better off considering the differences in fat, protein, and overall caloric content based on their personal nutritional goals and dietary needs, rather than focusing solely on IGF-1 content.

For additional context on the safety of milk-derived IGF-1, you can review the position of authoritative bodies. COC statement on IGF-1 and cancer risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all mammalian milk, including cow's, buffalo, and human milk, naturally contains IGF-1. It is a biological component essential for promoting growth and development in the young offspring.

The human digestive system is highly efficient at breaking down proteins, including IGF-1, into smaller, inactive peptides. Scientific consensus is that minimal, if any, intact IGF-1 from milk is absorbed into the human bloodstream.

Authoritative health bodies like the FDA and UK Committee on Carcinogenicity have concluded that dietary intake of IGF-1 from milk is not a risk factor for human health. The amount consumed is negligible compared to the body's own production.

While both contain IGF-1, levels vary based on breed, diet, and lactation stage for both species. Research shows that IGF-1 concentrations are highly variable and are not consistently higher in one milk type over another under natural conditions.

Yes, standard pasteurization does not appear to significantly alter IGF-1 levels. However, higher heat treatments, such as those used for producing infant formula, can destroy the hormone.

Concern stems from a misunderstanding of how dietary IGF-1 affects the human body. Some link the growth factor to cancer promotion, but this concern fails to account for how digestion works and the fact that the body's own IGF-1 production is much higher.

There is no conclusive evidence linking dietary IGF-1 from milk to an increased risk of cancer. Expert committees have reviewed the evidence and found no association between milk intake and increased cancer risk, and in some cases, have found indications of reduced risk.