Milk is one of the foods that is considered to have all the nutrients our physiology needs. It's a whole food.
During my practise of nutrition; I have been involved in Ethnographic Research. (The reason I like this type of research is because it involves living with a community and understanding their beliefs systems about food and how it affects their nutritional status).
I have come across interesting food myths during my research in Kenyan communities. These myths have serious consequences in a person's health and public's health; it's sad.
Majority of Kenyans believe that, packed milk has chemicals. This belief has serious consequences especially for people living in urban centres.
Here is a sample of an interview
Interviewer: Why do you believe that milk has chemicals?
Respondent: Maziwa ya Ng'ombe na yapacket hutaste different (Cow's milk and packed milk taste different)
Interviewer: Does it?
Respondent: Yes. Tebu ijaribu utaniambia (try, you will tell me) hiyo maziwa nikama imewekwa machemicals ( That milk has chemicals)
Interviewer: How can you tell?
Respondent: Taste yake na hainanga cream (Its taste and it doesn't have milk cream)
It was a surprise to me; that many Kenyans share this belief. While taste has been used as food analysis tool, not everyone has that skill (a science) and it's not used in isolation. The ability to believe a feeling that hasn't been subjected to a scientific process is, a superstition which graduates to a myth.
What does this mean?
Negative attitude towards packed milk. This may decrease consumption which affects daily protein and calcium among other important vitamins and minerals intake.
Generational impact on the importance of milk consumption.
Mothers' refusal to feed children under five with milk.
Inadequate understanding of the scientific process of milk processing.
What's needed?
More research to understand all the variables and their solutions.
Campaigns to educate mothers, pregnant women and the public on the benefits of milk consumption.
By: Patricia Kariuki Henry (Nutritionist)
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