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Raw Milk & Nerve Damage

Oct 25, 2011 | By Natalie Stein
Raw Milk & Nerve Damage
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Foodborne illnesses affect millions of Americans each year, and the most dangerous foods are raw animal products, such as raw meat, shellfish, eggs and milk. Raw milk may lead to a variety of foodborne illnesses, and some of these may cause nerve damage if left untreated. Consult your doctor if you suspect that you have food poisoning or nerve damage.

Raw and Pasteurized Milk

Raw milk is unpasteurized, and it may contain harmful bacteria. Pasteurized milk has been heated to a high temperature to kill potential pathogenic bacteria, and it is as nutritious as unpasteurized milk, according to the Food and Drug Administration. To prevent illness from bacteria in raw milk, the Food and Drug Administration recommends avoiding unpasteurized milk and yogurt, cheese and ice cream made with raw milk. Foodborne illness can lead to organ failure, gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches and nerve damage.

Meningitis

Consumption of raw milk can lead to infection by bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, nausea and vomiting, and it can lead to meningitis. According to MayoClinic.com, meningitis can lead to permanent nerve damage without proper treatment. You may develop blindness, hearing loss or even paralysis from the loss of function of your nerves. Listeria colonies are most often found in raw milk, soft cheeses, ice cream, meat, poultry and fish.

Salmonella and Campylobacter

Raw milk may harbor species of Salmonella, leading to diseases such as typhoid fever, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Complications may include Reiter’s disease, which can lead to reactive arthritis and conjunctivitis, or eye damage. Salmonella may be in raw milk, cream desserts and eggs. Campylobacter infection may lead to diarrhea, arthritis and nerve damage from meningitis, according to FoodSafety.gov. Campylobacter bacteria are found in raw milk and meat products.

Escherichia Coli

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, or EIEC, are other pathogens in raw milk. Infection may lead to bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Prolonged diarrhea may lead to a deficiency of vitamin B-12, which is an essential mineral for healthy red blood cells. Animal products, such as raw milk, are natural sources of vitamin B-12, but you may become deficient if a foodborne illness prevents proper nutrient absorption in your intestine.

References

Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Oct 25, 2011

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