The China Study

[lee25]

Hi

Does anyone have any opinions regarding the Casein cancer link raised in 'The China Study' ?

the connection between casein and cancer was so profound that the scientists could literally turn cancer growth on and off in the laboratory animals, like a light switch, simply by altering the level of casein protein in their diets. Interestingly, they also found that feeding the animals the same levels of plant based protein (gluten and soy) did not at all promote cancer growth.

[sendos]

you got a source for this study? sounds a bit far fetched but worth a look.

[CosmicFish]

Perhaps their casein had melamine in it.

I'd like to see a link to the original study too.

[coma]

Here's a critical review of the study, it basically sumarises a leap from cancer studies in mice concerning casein to ' . . casein, and very likely all animal proteins, may be the most relevant cancer-causing substances that we consume.' which isn't the best evidence and rather biased considering he's on the board for the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine which has strong ties to PETA and other animal rights groups.

[lee25]

Quote

Here's a critical review of the study, it basically sumarises a leap from cancer studies in mice concerning casein to ' . . casein, and very likely all animal proteins, may be the most relevant cancer-causing substances that we consume.' which isn't the best evidence and rather biased considering he's on the board for the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine which has strong ties to PETA and other animal rights groups.

Yeah, I've seen this. Personally I'm not convinced.

[lee25]

the book can be found here

The China Study: The Most ... - Google Book Search

[lee25]

Quote

Here's a critical review of the study, it basically sumarises a leap from cancer studies in mice concerning casein to ' . . casein, and very likely all animal proteins, may be the most relevant cancer-causing substances that we consume.' which isn't the best evidence and rather biased considering he's on the board for the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine which has strong ties to PETA and other animal rights groups.

Regardless of the tie between casein and all animal protein which I agree is nonsense, it was proven that casein caused cancer in mice.

[daffy]

At best, the author could argue that dairy should be avoided; he certainly cannot extrapolate that to all animal proteins.

He's also looking at a diet containing 20% casein. I'd be surprised if anyone on here has a diet as high as that.

I've not read the book, so this might be covered in it, but there is no discussion as to how rats tolerate dairy as they age, nor is there mention of how casein compares to rat milk, which you presume would be well tolerated by rats, at least in infancy.

My take would be that if you are reliant on a single protein source, and in the case of casein, not even a rounded protein source, you're asking for trouble anyway. Further, I'd argue that if you have got to the stage where casein is your highest risk factor of contracting cancer, then you've already done pretty well in eliminating all the higher risk factors already.

[lee25]

Quote

At best, the author could argue that dairy should be avoided; he certainly cannot extrapolate that to all animal proteins.

He's also looking at a diet containing 20% casein. I'd be surprised if anyone on here has a diet as high as that.

I've not read the book, so this might be covered in it, but there is no discussion as to how rats tolerate dairy as they age, nor is there mention of how casein compares to rat milk, which you presume would be well tolerated by rats, at least in infancy.

My take would be that if you are reliant on a single protein source, and in the case of casein, not even a rounded protein source, you're asking for trouble anyway. Further, I'd argue that if you have got to the stage where casein is your highest risk factor of contracting cancer, then you've already done pretty well in eliminating all the higher risk factors already.

I understand your point however if I am going as far as eliminating flouride from my toothpaste then eliminate casein supplements due to a potential cancer risk seems the right approach to me. I am also ditching whey as I have dropped significant fat while not supplementing with it. Personally I think whey should only be supplemented post workout and at no other time.

I think I am just going to have to use egg white protein going forward.

[Wotan]

Quote

At best, the author could argue that dairy should be avoided; he certainly cannot extrapolate that to all animal proteins.

He's also looking at a diet containing 20% casein. I'd be surprised if anyone on here has a diet as high as that.

I've not read the book, so this might be covered in it, but there is no discussion as to how rats tolerate dairy as they age, nor is there mention of how casein compares to rat milk, which you presume would be well tolerated by rats, at least in infancy.

My take would be that if you are reliant on a single protein source, and in the case of casein, not even a rounded protein source, you're asking for trouble anyway. Further, I'd argue that if you have got to the stage where casein is your highest risk factor of contracting cancer, then you've already done pretty well in eliminating all the higher risk factors already.

My sentiments exactly, especially the last paragraph!