The New Complete Book of Food
with galactosemia will fail to thrive and may develop brain damage or cataracts if they are
given milk. To prevent this, they are kept on a milk-free diet for several years, until their
bodies have developed alternative ways by which to metabolize galactose. Pregnant women
who are known carriers of galactosemia may be advised to avoid milk while pregnant, lest
the unmetabolized galactose in their bodies damage the fetus. Genetic counseling is avail-
able to identify galactosemia carriers.
Allergic reaction. According to the Merck Manual, milk is one of the 12 foods most likely to
trigger classic food allergy symptoms: hives, swelling of the lips and eyes, and upset stom-
ach. The others are berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), chocolate,
corn, eggs, fish, legumes (green peas, lima beans, peanuts, soybeans), nuts, peaches, pork,
shellfish, and wheat (see wheat cereals).
Food poisoning. Raw (unpasteurized) milk may be contaminated with Salmonella and/or
Listeria organisms. Poisoning with Salmonella organisms may cause nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea—which can be debilitating and potentially serious in infants, the elderly, and
people who are ill. Listeria poisoning is a flulike illness that may be particularly hazardous
for pregnant women or invalids who are at risk of encephalitis, meningitis, or infections of
the bloodstream. Listeria may also be found in milk foods made from infected raw milk.
Salmonella will also grow in pasteurized milk if the milk is not refrigerated.Food/Drug Interactions
Tetracyclines. The calcium ions in milk bind to tetracyclines, such as Declomycin, Minocin,
Rondomycin, Terramycin, and Vibramycin, forming insoluble compounds your body cannot
absorb. Taking tetracyclines with milk makes them less effective.
Antacids containing calcium carbonate. People who take calcium carbonate antacids with
homogenized milk fortified with vitamin D (which facilitates the absorption of calcium)
may end up with milk-alkali syndrome, a potentially serious kidney disorder caused by the
accumulation of excessive amounts of calcium in the blood. Milk-alkali syndrome, which is
rare, subsides gradually when the patient stops taking either the antacid or the milk.