Cow’s milk could exacerbate multiple sclerosis symptoms, study warns

An investigation of the University of Bonn (Germany) has observed that milk can exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, as they have tested in mice that have been administered casein, a constituent of cow’s milk, and developed neurological disorders.

The study, which has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that electron microscopy has shown damage to the insulating layer around nerve fibers, the myelin. The grease-like substance prevents short circuits and, in addition,

“We suspected the reason was a misdirected immune response, similar to that seen in MS patients. The body’s defenses actually attack the casein, but in the process it also in the formation of myelincommented one of the researchers.

Cross-reactivity can occur when two molecules are very similar, at least in parts. So the immune system, in a sense, confuses them for each other.

“We compared casein to different molecules that are important for myelin production. In the process, we come across a protein called MAG. It looks remarkably similar to casein in some respects, so much so that antibodies to casein were also active against MAG in the lab animals.” has pointed out.

The study found that B cells in the blood of people with MS Presumably, affected people developed an allergy to casein at some point as a result of milk consumption. Now, as soon as they consume fresh dairy products, the immune system produces masses of antibodies against casein. Due to cross-reactivity with MAG, these also damage the myelin sheath around nerve fibers.