Cow milk and diabetes

Effect of nutrition. On the basis of epidemiological studies it has been proposed that cow milk-based infant formula when introduced within the first three months of life is associated with an increased risk of later development of type 1 diabetes. However, other epidemiological case-control studies, and first prospective trials did not find an association between early exposure to cow milk proteins and subsequent type 1 diabetes. In animal models however, cow milk proteins were found to be modestly and variably diabetes promoting. Interestingly, some plant proteins in the diet caused higher rates of autoimmune diabetes in the animal models. Immune reactions. In man and rodents there is increasing evidence that the gut associated immune system plays a major role in disease development, probably because of disturbed oral tolerance mechanisms. Oral tolerance depends on immunological homeostasis and proper maturation of the gut. These parameters are influenced by growth factors and cytokines from breast milk, proper bacterial colonisation, infections and diet. A short duration of breast feeding and early exposure to foreign dietary proteins may therefore impair the development of proper oral tolerance and promote immune reactions to dietary anti gens which crossreact with beta cell antigens. The concept of dietary regulation of autoimmunity fits with the observed association of coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes.