In 1993, the FDA approved the use of a product called recombinant
bovine somatotrophin (rbST) to increase milk production in dairy
cows. Should you avoid milk from cows that have been given this
hormone?

The authors of “Raising Healthy Children in a Toxic World”
are experts in pediatric medicine, and for this reason have an
interesting perspective. Here is what they say:

” This additive increases the level of the hormone IGF-1 in milk. A natural and necessary hormone, IGF-1 has also been linked to a number of types of cancer: breast cancer, osteogenic sarcoma (the most common bone cancer in children), colon cancer, and lung cancer. Although research is in its early stages, prudent avoidance indicates that you should avoid serving your children milk and milk products from cows treated with rbST. Instead, buy milk and milk products that are certified organic because organic dairy farmers can’t treat their cows with rbST. If your local grocery store doesn’t stock organic milk, ask them to do so.