Fact Check: Can animal milk weaken your bones?

In a viral Instagram post, it is claimed that animal milk can weaken your bones. The claim by the user is FALSE.

Claim

An Instagram post claims that animal milk can weaken your bones. The reel by user the_viral__show is captioned as "Milk Will Destroy You" In the reel the user says, "The reason why your bones are weak and brittle is because of animal milk. Animal milk which we consume as a blessing and we think it's good for our bones is what is harming us." The user further adds, "If you are suffering from diabetes, obesity, allergies, migraine, sinusitis, acidity or fungal infections leave milk for 3 months and resume after 3 months."

The reel, accessible via this link, has garnered 8.5 million views, 110,424 likes, 2,106 comments, and 198,000 shares.

Fact Check

An Instagram post claiming that animal milk can weaken your bones is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support this claim. While it is important to acknowledge that excessive milk consumption may affect bone health, studies show that animal milk contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which contribute to bone strengthening. 

What are Bones?

Bones are the fundamental anatomical structures forming the human skeletal system. They play a crucial mechanical role by providing support and facilitating movement. Additionally, bones act as reservoirs for mineral salts, contributing to the regulation of calcium and phosphorus balance in the body. They safeguard vital organs such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart within protective structures like the skull, vertebrae, and rib cage. Bones also house medullary spaces that support hematopoiesis, the production of blood cells.

What causes bone weakness?

Bone weakness can result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. While genetics play a significant role in determining bone mass, modifiable factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy habits can greatly impact bone health. Insufficient calcium intake, a critical nutrient for bones, and vitamin D deficiency, which aids calcium absorption, are major contributors. Physical inactivity leads to decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk, while being underweight or experiencing significant weight loss can also weaken bones. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption reduce bone density, further increasing vulnerability to fractures. Additionally, certain medical conditions, medications, and reproductive health issues, such as amenorrhea, can compromise bone health.

Dr Kumardev Arvind Rajamanya, Head of Department (HOD) & Lead Consultant - Orthopaedics, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru explained, "Many causes can lead to bone damage, such as trauma which can cause fractures or breaks. Some medical conditions, like osteoporosis, weaken bones and make them more susceptible to damage. Chronic diseases such as arthritis and certain cancers can also cause bone tissue to gradually deteriorate over time. Infections, such as osteomyelitis and nutritional deficiencies, especially in calcium and vitamin D, contribute to bone degeneration. In addition to these, excessive use, repeated stress or genetic diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta make bones fragile and prone to breaking as well."

What are the Nutritional Properties of Animal Milk?

Milk is a nutrient-dense food, supplying energy and high-quality protein with a range of essential micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus in an easily absorbed form. Milk minerals are crucial for human health and development. They play a key role in healthy human nutrition and development throughout life. Milk is rich in nutrients that are essential for good bone health, including calcium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus.

Can animal milk weaken bones?

No, animal milk cannot weaken the bones. Scientific evidence consistently shows that animal milk is a rich source of protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus that promote bone health. Excessive milk consumption may have potential adverse effects on bone health, but currently there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that supports the  blanket claim that animal milk weakens bones.

Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth. The National Institutes of Health emphasizes that dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, an essential mineral vital for building and maintaining the structure of bones and teeth.

Another study by Alicja Ewa Ratajczak et. al. highlights that milk is amongst the most important sources of calcium and phosphorus which are essential for bone health. Milk consumption in life is crucial to prevent bone mass loss.

Similarly, An article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that Adequate dietary calcium and protein intakes found in milk are essential and may help to achieve optimal peak bone mass during skeletal growth and to prevent bone loss in the elderly.

Conversely, it is crucial to recognize that excessive milk consumption has been linked to nine risks. A study by Karl Michaëlsson et. al. found that high milk consumption has been linked to higher mortality rates and an increased risk of fractures in women.

Hence, milk is a valuable source of proteins and essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, contributing to bone health but it is important to consume it in moderation. Therefore, the user's claim is false.

In a conversation with the Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team Dr Ankur Bambhania, Consultant Critical Care, HCG Hospitals, Bhavnagar said, "While animal milk is often celebrated as a source of calcium for strong bones, excessive consumption may have the opposite effect. The acidic nature of animal protein can lead to calcium loss as the body works to neutralize the acid. Over time, this could weaken bone health instead of strengthening it. However, this doesn’t mean milk is harmful in moderation. A balanced diet, including plant-based calcium sources such as leafy greens, almonds, and fortified alternatives, alongside regular exercise, is essential for maintaining optimal bone health. Understanding the impact of dietary choices can help foster healthier habits for stronger bones."

Dr. Kumardev Arvind Rajamanya, Head of Department (HOD) & Lead Consultant - Orthopaedics, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru further said, "Consumption of animal milk has a complex relation with bone health. Milk has traditionally been considered one of the best foods for maintaining a healthy skeletal system. Research findings suggest that consuming milk is important due to its nutrients that support bone density. Adultered milk may have certain ill effects, but no such negative effects have ever been noticed by consuming normal animal milk. However, moderation and a balanced diet are very important in optimizing the health of the bones."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim by Instagram user that animal milk weakens bones is False. Milk is a beneficial dietary component for bone health as it is rich in proteins and minerals like Calcium and Phosphorus. Excessive milk consumption is also linked to certain risks, making it essential to consume it in moderation. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user that milk weakens the bones.

Hence, the claim by the user is False.