Turnpaugh’s Published Research on Milk Allergies & Immune Reactivity

At Turnpaugh Health, we take pride in being at the forefront of functional medicine, always seeking new ways to enhance patient care through science and research. That’s why we are thrilled to highlight Dr. Chris Turnpaugh’s latest published work in collaboration with Aristo Vojdani and Elroy Vojdani, featured in Cambridge University Press. Their research, titled Immune Reactivity Against a Variety of Mammalian Milks and Plant-Based Milk Substitutes, provides groundbreaking insights into the allergenicity and antigenicity of different types of milk.

Groundbreaking Findings in Milk Reactivity

This study explores how IgE, IgG, and IgA antibodies react to cow, goat, sheep, camel, and human milk, as well as plant-based milk substitutes like soy, almond, and coconut. Testing was conducted on 500 individuals, analyzing their immune responses to these various milk types.

Key findings include:

• Human milk was the least allergenic, while cow’s milk showed the highest reactivity.
• Among plant-based alternatives, almond milk had the highest IgE reactivity, while coconut milk was the least reactive.
• Soy milk ranked highest in IgG and IgA immune reactivity, making it a concern for some individuals who may not react to mammalian milks.
• There was no significant difference in immune reactivity between organic and non-organic cow’s milk, as well as between A1 and A2 milk types.
• Individuals who are sensitive to cow’s milk are highly likely to react to goat and sheep milk as well.

What This Means for Patients

For individuals dealing with milk allergies and intolerances, this research reinforces the importance of accurate and quantitative blood testing before selecting an alternative milk source. Simply switching from dairy to plant-based milk may not be a guaranteed solution, as some alternatives still trigger immune reactions in certain individuals.

Dr. Turnpaugh and his colleagues emphasize the need for personalized dietary choices based on scientific testing rather than assumptions. This research is a significant step in understanding how different milk sources impact immune health and supports the functional medicine approach of treating the root cause of health concerns.

Read the Full Study

This research is published in the Journal of Dairy Research, Volume 85, Issue 3, August 2018.
You can access the full study via Cambridge University Press at the following link: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022029918000523

Continuing the Conversation

Dr. Turnpaugh’s dedication to advancing functional medicine and nutritional research helps shape how we approach patient care at Turnpaugh Health. Stay connected with us for more updates on scientific discoveries, patient education, and functional medicine insights.

If you have concerns about food allergies, immune health, or personalized nutrition, our team is here to help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how functional medicine can transform your health.