Tag: Somatic cells

One drop of human breast milk contains over one million white blood cells, a fact highlighting that some milk naturally contains living components. The answer to "Are there living cells in milk?" depends entirely on the type and processing of the milk in question, with a critical distinction existing between raw and commercially treated products.

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are a natural component of all milk from mammals, including humans. This fact has led to a persistent myth suggesting that milk has cow mucus in it, but this is a gross misconception that misrepresents the body's natural defense mechanisms. In reality, modern dairy processing and strict health standards ensure the commercial milk supply is safe and free from contamination.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, filtration is a critical initial step in processing milk to ensure a high-quality final product. This essential process clarifies what is removed when milk is filtered, setting the stage for further treatments like pasteurization to guarantee consumer safety and product consistency.