Technology has managed to enhance the lives of people. However, along with the enhancements, there have been some adverse effects as well. For instance, the synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES) that had been used to stimulate growth in cattle was finally banned in 1979 after forty years of data had been accumulated reflecting cancer and birth defects. It seems that we would learn from our previous experiences, right?Hormone-Treated Cattle Continues
Once DES was banned, it was merely replaced with another version of synthetic hormones, estradiol and progestins. There are carcinogenic risks of estrogenic additives that may also create an imbalance in natural hormone levels. In 1989, the European Economic Community (EEC) decided to ban hormone-treated U.S. meat in all European countries to protect their citizens from tumors and deformities in children.
In 1993, Monsanto, a drug company in the United States, introduced Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin Hormone (rBST), also known as Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), a genetically engineered hormone created to increase milk supply by 15 - 25%. It comes in the form of the drug Posilac. Approved by the Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA), it claims that there are no ill effects to humans.
Side Effects of rBST on Cows
RBST simulates the functions of the somatotrophin hormone which is released by the cow’s pituitary gland, the hormone responsible for the cow’s lactation. These hormones, considering that they increase the capacity for cow lactation in an unnatural manner affect the animal by shortening their life-span, increasing pus production, and causing greater health conditions like mastitis. Mastitis, an inflammation of the udders, may result in treatments including the use of antibiotics that will enter not only the body of the animal, but also the person who drinks the milk.
Hormone-free Options
Since there has already been a link between growth inducing hormones in animals and human health problems, a safe option would be to choose hormone-free products. It is not only dairy products and meat to be wary of. There are also various vegetables and other crops that are given genetically engineered hormones in order to increase their growth or produce a greater yield. Products that display the USDA Organic seal are certified natural and hormone-free.
