Madan Dilawar, the Education Minister of Rajasthan, has ignited a debate by asserting that milk from indigenous cows boosts children’s intelligence and energy levels, whereas buffalo milk leads to sluggishness. Speaking at a ‘Go-Samvardhan and Gocharan’ event in Kota district, Dilawar illustrated his point with an analogy. He suggested that when asked to find their mothers from a distance, a calf from a cow would quickly locate its mother, while a buffalo calf would struggle in comparison. He claimed this behavior signifies a cognitive edge attributed to the milk these animals produce. Furthermore, he elaborated that after consuming milk, the buffalo calf would cough and become lethargic, whereas the cow calf would remain active, indicating what he termed as “sharp intelligence.” These remarks have since circulated widely across various platforms.

Scientific Examination of the Claims

Despite the minister’s assertions, nutritional researchers and pediatricians have expressed skepticism regarding the scientific backing of these claims. Experts point out that there is currently no conclusive evidence establishing that cow’s milk provides a cognitive advantage over buffalo milk. Notably, buffalo milk is often recognized for its higher fat content, which ranges from 6% to 15%, rendering it more calorie-dense. Additionally, it contains marginally higher levels of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for various bodily functions, according to nutrition researcher Dr. Seema Gulati. These nutritional differences, however, do not correlate with discernible variations in children’s cognitive abilities.

Understanding Nutritional Differences

While cow milk is sometimes favored for those looking to reduce calorie intake, this aspect pertains to metabolism rather than cognition, clarified Dr. Gulati, who leads a nutrition research group at the National Diabetes, Obesity, and Cholesterol Foundation in Delhi. Another important nutrient, iodine, which contributes to brain development, is influenced more by the animal’s diet than by the type of milk being produced, the researcher emphasized. Thus, whether sourced from cows or buffaloes, the iodine content reflects their feeding habits rather than the species itself.

Pediatric Perspectives on Milk Consumption

Earlier, some pediatricians recommended introducing cow milk to children at a young age, believing it might be lighter and easier for digestion. However, the latest scientific evidence does not support the notion that choosing cow milk over buffalo milk leads to improved cognitive outcomes. According to pediatrician and clinical researcher Dr. HPS Sachdev, breast milk has consistently shown a strong correlation with enhanced cognitive development. Research indicates that children who are exclusively breastfed for six months and continue breastfeeding into later stages of childhood tend to exhibit better long-term cognitive performance.

No Basis for Enhanced Intelligence Claims

In conclusion, the prevailing evidence does not substantiate any claims suggesting that cow milk enhances children’s intelligence or that buffalo milk negatively impacts their cognitive function. Although nutritional profiles may slightly differ between the two types of milk, intelligence does not appear to be significantly influenced by the species of milk consumed. This illustrates the need for further research and clearer communication regarding children’s dietary practices and their implications for cognitive development.

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