Don’t Worry--Homogenized Milk Is Safe

Dear Dr. Blonz: I have read that the process of homogenization in dairy foods may be a major factor in heart disease. Do you know if any studies are being done to substantiate this? I understand proponents of the theory point to the fact that heart disease rates are much lower in countries, such as France, that don’t homogenize most of their milk, and higher in countries such as Finland, that do. Also, can you tell me which dairy products are subject to homogenization, and what the difference is between homogenization and pasteurization? Thank you.

--J.L., Agoura

Dear J.L.: Homogenization is a physical process that breaks the normally large fat globules in whole milk into smaller, more uniform particles by forcing the milk through a small opening under pressure. The fat then remains evenly distributed throughout the milk. Most commercial milk products, including yogurt and cheese, are made from homogenized milk.

I have heard the argument that homogenization is dangerous, and I don’t buy it. As the theory goes, there is an enzyme in cow’s milk (xanthine oxidase) that is not well-absorbed. When the milk is homogenized, the enzyme is absorbed to a greater degree.

According to the theory, the absorption of the enzyme brings about changes in our arteries and, in essence, starts us marching down the road to heart disease. The bottom line, though, is that the science simply isn’t there. Studies have rejected the concept that the homogenization of milk is a major risk factor in heart disease. Using France and Finland as support for the theory ignores major differences in diet and lifestyle habits between these two countries.

Pasteurization is the process by which milk is heated to destroy harmful microorganisms. A typical pasteurization involves heating above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Pasteurized milk is not sterile, but about 97% to 99% of the bacteria are killed, including tuberculosis, salmonella and streptococcus.

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Dear Dr. Blonz: I am curious to know your opinion of a company that deals in the field of health and nutrition. It is called Reliv International. I find that my energy level is enhanced because their supplement is in a powdered form.

--M.D.

Dear M.D.: First, let me say that I know of no reason that a powdered supplement would offer special energy-enhancing attributes. Most supplements are formulated to dissolve before they reach the absorptive surfaces of the intestines.

I want to preface my remaining comments by saying that while I consider good foods and physical activity to be the keys to good health, I am pleased that you are experiencing benefits, and I certainly wish you every success from whatever products you might take.

That being said, I have indeed heard of Reliv International. Although the company might disagree, I find it to be similar to any of a number of other supplement companies that offer health-related products through multilevel marketing. Most such companies, and those who get involved with them, seem to feel as though “their” organization has found the answer--and that all their competitors are substandard.

The typical approach argues that people will always be eating junk foods and that we need their unique supplements to survive.

Mixed in with all the “save-your-life” health advantages comes a well-scripted portrayal of potential monetary gain. Over the years, I have become skeptical of multilevel marketing companies because there’s little control over what is said by independent distributors as they attempt to sell products and expand their financial network. I have been to meetings--not of the Reliv Organization--where folks took turns claiming cures for diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, and before anyone even had a chance to stop clapping, the discussion shifted to all the money that could be made.

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Ed Blonz is the author of the “Your Personal Nutritionist” book series (Signet, 1996). Send questions to: “On Nutrition,” Ed Blonz, c/o Newspaper Enterprise Assn., 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, or e-mail to: ed@blonz.com. Personal replies cannot be provided.