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Does Drinking Milk Really Cause Early Puberty in Children? 3 Reasons Why Parents Should Take Note.

13 November, 2024

According to , a leading expert in pediatric digestive, respiratory, and nutritional issues, concerns about early puberty have been raised by many parents, causing hesitation in providing their children with cow’s milk and formula milk, which can negatively impact their overall development.

Cow’s Milk and Formula Milk Do Not Cause Early Puberty

The specialist emphasizes that the notion that consuming cow’s milk or formula milk can lead to early puberty in children is entirely mistaken. In reality, the hormones present in cow’s milk, which aid in milk production for cows, have no impact on the human body. states, “These hormones, when ingested, are completely digested and processed by enzymes in the stomach, intestines, and pancreatic juices.”

He clarifies that the hormones in milk are neither estrogen nor testosterone, nor are they reproductive hormones. Therefore, drinking cow’s milk and formula milk does not induce early puberty. “Stop blaming cow’s milk and formula milk,” the expert stresses.

Numerous global studies have been conducted on this topic, and scientists have found no evidence linking early puberty in children to the consumption of formula milk, powdered milk, or cow’s milk. So, if a mother faces challenges in breastfeeding, opting for formula milk is a reasonable decision for the child’s nutrition.

Scientists Have Found No Link Between Early Puberty and the Consumption of Formula, Powdered, or Cow’s Milk

However, also advises that milk intake should be within appropriate limits for each age group. For children under one year old, milk is the primary source of nutrition, while children over one year old should not consume more than 500ml of milk per day.

Adhering to this guideline is not only to prevent early puberty but also to ensure a balanced diet and comprehensive development for children. Research indicates that excessive milk consumption can limit children’s opportunities to consume a diverse range of other foods, leading to the risk of malnutrition and rickets, which is detrimental to their health.

Key Factors Contributing to Early Puberty in Children

Genetics

According to MedlinePlus (a service of the US National Library of Medicine), the most common genetic cause of early puberty is a mutation in the MKRN3 gene. Researchers also suspect that alterations in other yet-to-be-identified genes may be associated with this condition.

The Most Common Genetic Cause of Early Puberty is a Mutation in the MKRN3 Gene

Overweight and Obesity

Unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming fast food, physical inactivity, and spending excessive time sitting while using phones, watching TV, or using iPads, contribute to overweight and obesity in children.

These conditions can increase the risk of early puberty. According to WebMD research, fat cells in the body produce leptin, a crucial hormone. The higher the number of fat cells, the more leptin is produced. This hormone plays a vital role in regulating appetite, maintaining body shape, and influencing reproductive capabilities.

Although leptin does not directly trigger puberty, studies have shown that children need a certain level of leptin in their bodies for puberty to occur. Girls with higher leptin levels due to being overweight tend to experience early puberty more frequently.

Use of Cosmetics and Plastic Products

The frequent use of daily products like shower gel, shampoo, nail polish, and plastic food containers can cause endocrine disorders, which is one of the reasons for early puberty.

Animal studies have indicated that several chemicals are associated with early puberty, such as phthalates, commonly found in fragranced products like perfume, soap, and shampoo; parabens, used as preservatives in many cosmetic products; and phenols, including triclosan.

Many parents may not pay attention and allow their children to use adult soaps and shampoos or even let them wear makeup or nail polish. These practices should be reconsidered and restricted to prevent the risk of early puberty in children.