The finding that organic milk is better than ordinary milk (EA, March 12) is not surprising. It has frequently been reported than non-organic milk can contain contaminants such as pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and other drugs.

In addition, it has also been reported that there are major health risks in consuming any diary products.

Many people cannot tolerate lactose. Milk products can cause these people abdominal pain, bloating and nausea.

Eczema, asthma, ear problems, colic, diarrhoea, migraines, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, prostate cancer and breast cancer have all been linked to the consumption of dairy products. Surprisingly osteoporosis can also be linked to dairy consumption. This is because the protein in animal-derived foods causes calcium to leak out of bones.

Cow's milk is often described as a natural product, and it is for the calf. Mammals produce milk for their young until they are weaned. However, the poor dairy calf is taken from its mother at just a few days old, and there is nothing natural about one species consuming the milk of another species at any stage of its development.

There are now many alternatives to dairy available that are better for us, and do not include the exploitation of the dairy cow.

(Mrs) M Harrison

Toothill