TikTok is first place to send a new craze ‘viral’ but whilst the newest health trend doing the rounds might be dressed up as a ‘natural alternative,’ one expert has news for anyone looking to try
Stirred into your morning coffee, poured over cereal and guzzled after a heavy gym session, milk is a go-to for many health reasons including a protein hit, calcium boost and simply because it tastes lovely, but some health enthusiasts are leaving supermarket milk behind to move forward with the newest health milk alternative on the block.
Technically, very-much still milk, the trend leans towards drinking raw milk which according to one GP can be ‘catastrophic for the vulnerable.’ The raw milk trend has been growing on TikTok in the UK and Ireland over recent months, with British lifestyle influencers such as Coach Cam from Cheshire pushing it as a healthy and natural alternative to supermarket-bought pasteurised milk.
The influencer has shared videos of him drinking raw milk to his 300,000 followers, claiming it can cure eczema, hay fever, and allergies but Dr Masarat Jilani at, Jude, has other thoughts on this ‘irresponsible’ trend and stresses the dangers of raw milk consumption.
“I cannot stress enough the potential dangers associated with consuming raw milk.
“Unpasteurised milk can harbour harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, which may cause life-threatening illnesses, including complications like acute kidney failure. These risks are significantly heightened for vulnerable groups—pregnant women, the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems.”
He continued to warn about the risks associated with careless promotion. “Be cautious of influencers who promote raw milk products as a ‘natural’ alternative. The belief that raw milk is inherently healthier lacks scientific support and can lead to serious health consequences.
“The reality is that raw milk poses a risk of illnesses, long-term health complications, and, in rare cases, death. Pasteurisation of milk is a critical step in protecting your health and the health of your family. Don’t let misleading Tiktok trends put your loved ones at risk of preventable harm.”
Raw milk can come from cows, sheep, goats, buffaloes, and horses but the method of the pasteurisation is a process that kills harmful bacteria.
Hidden Dangers Lurking in Raw Milk
Bacteria
Salmonella: This bacteria causes serious diarrhoea and fever.
E. coli: Certain strains produce toxins that can lead to severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, and, in some cases, kidney failure.
Listeria: Particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
Parasites
Cryptosporidium: This microscopic parasite can cause severe diarrhoea, and for those with weakened immune systems, the infection can become life-threatening.
Toxoplasma gondii: While less common, raw milk can serve as a transmission route for Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, damage the brain, eyes, and other organs.
Viruses
Hepatitis A: Poor hygiene during milk handling can lead to contamination with Hepatitis A, potentially causing liver and gastrointestinal illnesses.
As with any change to your health, always consult your GP first.
