humans on the planet can’t digest the milk
sugar called lactose, that the best route to
calcium balance may not be massive milk
intake. These complications help remind us
that milk was designed to be a food for the
young and rapidly growing calf, not for the
young or mature human.
Milk Nutrients
Nearly all milks contain the same battery of
nutrients, the relative proportions of which
vary greatly from species to species.
Generally, animals that grow rapidly are fed
with milk high in protein and minerals. A calf
doubles its weight at birth in 50 days, a human
infant in 100; sure enough, cow’s milk
contains more than double the protein and
minerals of mother’s milk. Of the major
nutrients, ruminant milk is seriously lacking
only in iron and in vitamin C. Thanks to the
rumen microbes, which convert the