Milk Consumption Does Not Lead to Mucus Production or Occurrence of Asthma

Abstract

There is a belief among some members of the public that the consumption of milk and dairy products increases the production of mucus in the respiratory system. Therefore, some who believe in this effect renounce drinking milk. According to Australian studies, subjects perceived some parameters of mucus production to change after consumption of milk and soy-based beverages, but these effects were not specific to cows’ milk because the soy-based milk drink with similar sensory characteristics produced the same changes. In individuals inoculated with the common cold virus, milk intake was not associated with increased nasal secretions, symptoms of cough, nose symptoms or congestion. Nevertheless, individuals who believe in the mucus and milk theory report more respiratory symptoms after drinking milk. In some types of alternative medicine, people with bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract, are advised not to eat so-called mucus-forming foods, especially all kinds of dairy products. According to different investigations the consumption of milk does not seem to exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and a relationship between milk consumption and the occurrence of asthma cannot be established. However, there are a few cases documented in which people with a cow’s milk allergy presented with asthma-like symptoms.

• milk
• dairy products
• mucus formation
• asthma

Key teaching points:

• In alternative medicine, a popular belief is that the consumption of milk and dairy products leads to mucus in upper and lower respiratory tracts.

• Sensations associated with increased mucus production are not specific to cow’s milk, but are more likely due to physical characteristics of some beverages.

• In rare cases asthma can occur in patients with confirmed food allergy against cow’s milk proteins.

• People with asthma are sometimes advised to abstain from the consumption of dairy products, but research shows that consumption of milk does not significantly change various lung function parameters. In addition, limiting dairy food consumption can lead to low intake of many nutrients, including calcium.

Key teaching points:

• In alternative medicine, a popular belief is that the consumption of milk and dairy products leads to mucus in upper and lower respiratory tracts.

• Sensations associated with increased mucus production are not specific to cow’s milk, but are more likely due to physical characteristics of some beverages.

• In rare cases asthma can occur in patients with confirmed food allergy against cow’s milk proteins.

• People with asthma are sometimes advised to abstain from the consumption of dairy products, but research shows that consumption of milk does not significantly change various lung function parameters. In addition, limiting dairy food consumption can lead to low intake of many nutrients, including calcium.

Notes

* Different parameters of the lung function are measured with a spirometer: vital capacity = maximum volume expelled after maximum inspiration. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) = volume of air that can be forced out in one second after taking a deep breath, also given as percentage of forced vital capacity. Forced vital capacity (FVC) = maximum volume of air which can be expired as quickly and forcibly as possible after maximum inspiration.