The Hormones Naturally Present in All Milk
All milk naturally contains hormones produced by mammals, and cheese, as a concentrated milk product, will also contain these hormones. It is impossible for cheese to be entirely hormone-free because the source animal produces these substances for normal bodily functions. One notable natural hormone is insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is crucial for growth and metabolism.
How Cheese-Making Concentrates Hormones
The process of making cheese involves removing water from milk to form curds. This concentrates the milk's proteins, fats, and naturally occurring hormones, including IGF-1. As a result, cheese generally has higher levels of hormones per ounce than the milk it originated from.
The Artificial Growth Hormone: rBST/rBGH
Beyond natural hormones, there is also the use of artificial growth hormones in the dairy industry. Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), also known as rBGH, is a synthetic hormone created through genetic engineering and injected into dairy cows to boost milk production. While rBST itself is broken down during human digestion, its use can increase IGF-1 levels in milk. Elevated concentrations of IGF-1 have been observed in milk from rBST-treated cows. The potential health implications of these increased IGF-1 levels are a subject of ongoing debate.
Consumer and Regulatory Response
The use of rBST is controversial. While the FDA has approved its use in the United States and stated that dairy products from treated cows are safe, other countries like Canada and those in the European Union have banned it, citing animal welfare and potential human health concerns. Many US dairy producers voluntarily avoid rBST and label their products accordingly.
Comparing Cheeses from Treated vs. Untreated Cows
| Feature | Cheese from rBST-Treated Cows | Cheese from Untreated (or Organic) Cows |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Hormones | Contains milk from cows that may have been injected with rBST. | Made from milk where no artificial growth hormones were used. |
| Naturally Occurring IGF-1 | May have higher concentrations of IGF-1 due to rBST use. | Contains natural levels of IGF-1, which are generally lower than in rBST-treated milk. |
| Nutritional Profile | The overall nutritional composition of the milk (fats, proteins) is largely the same. | Consistent nutritional profile, similar to that of treated cows, though natural variations occur. |
| Labeling | Not required to be labeled as from rBST-treated cows in the US, but can be labeled 'rBST-free' if a disclaimer is included. | Clearly labeled as 'rBST-free' or 'No Artificial Growth Hormones' due to consumer demand. |
| Consumer Preference | Some consumers avoid these products due to concerns about animal welfare and potential long-term human health impacts. | Preferred by consumers who prioritize products from animals not treated with artificial hormones. |
Making an Informed Choice
Consumers can make informed decisions by understanding the difference between natural hormones present in all cheese and the potential for elevated IGF-1 in cheese from rBST-treated cows. While natural IGF-1 cannot be avoided, consumers can choose to avoid products from rBST-treated cows by looking for labels such as 'rBST-free' or 'No Artificial Growth Hormones' in the US. Organic dairy products are also guaranteed to be from cows not treated with rBST.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Growth Hormone in Cheese
Cheese is not hormone-free, as it naturally contains hormones like IGF-1 from the cow, which become more concentrated during production. The main concern for many is the use of rBST in some dairy cows, which increases IGF-1 levels in milk and subsequently in cheese. Although the FDA deems these products safe, concerns persist regarding animal welfare and potential long-term human health effects from elevated IGF-1, leading to bans in other countries. Consumers can navigate these concerns by seeking out organic or rBST-free labeled cheeses, allowing them to choose based on their health and ethical considerations.
How the FDA and Industry View rBST and Cheese
The FDA maintains that dairy products from rBST-treated cows are safe and that IGF-1 levels do not pose a significant human health risk. The dairy industry often highlights that rBST is inactive in humans and largely eliminated during pasteurization. However, conflicting studies and international regulatory differences, such as the EU's ban partly based on animal welfare concerns, continue the debate. Consumers are left to consider the available information. For further reading on food safety, the {Link: Center for Food Safety https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/1044/rbgh/about-rbgh} is an authoritative resource.
A Quick Guide to Natural vs. Artificial Hormones in Dairy
- Naturally Occurring Hormones: Found in all milk and cheese from all mammals. This includes IGF-1 and other hormones essential for animal health. These are inherent to dairy.
- Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST): A synthetic growth hormone injected into some dairy cows to boost milk yield. It is approved in the US but banned in many other nations.
- Increased IGF-1: A primary effect of rBST use is an increase in IGF-1 levels in milk, which becomes concentrated in cheese.
- Health Debate: There is ongoing discussion and a need for more research into the potential effects of this elevated IGF-1 on human health, specifically regarding cancer risk.
- Labeling: To avoid dairy from rBST-treated cows, look for labels stating 'rBST-free' or similar phrases, as is standard practice for organic dairy products.
