Information for Patients
Important information about LACTIVAE™ (raw milk, oral solution)
What You Should Know
Modern Safety Data
A 2024 analysis of 16 years of CDC surveillance data (2005–2020), together with an earlier outbreak-trend study, found that properly produced raw milk from licensed, tested sources has a stronger safety record than commonly assumed:18,19
- California reported zero illnesses from 2016–2020 despite retail grocery store sales18
- Outbreak rates decreased 74% from 2005 to 2016 after adjusting for growth in population and consumption19
- Hospitalizations from raw milk were typically zero, with a maximum of 10 in any single year nationally18
- Raw milk caused fewer deaths (0–2) than cantaloupe (38), peanut butter (10), leafy greens (6), and pasteurized dairy (5) over the same period18
Sources: Stephenson MM, et al. J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2024;14(3):787-816.18 Whitehead J, Lake B. PLoS Curr. 2018;10:ecurrents.outbreaks.bae5a0fd685616839c9cf857792730d1.19
Important Precautions
Talk to your healthcare provider before consuming raw milk, especially if you are:
- Under age 5 or over age 65
- Pregnant or nursing
- Immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressive medications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LACTIVAE™?
LACTIVAE™ is unpasteurized cow's milk from grass-fed dairy cows. Unlike conventional milk, it has not undergone heat treatment (pasteurization) to kill potentially harmful bacteria. This website presents it in a pharmaceutical format to demonstrate how marketing techniques could be applied to a controversial food product.
Is raw milk safe?
When properly produced by licensed, regularly tested dairies with strong protocols, modern raw milk has a strong safety record. California reported zero illnesses from 2016–2020 despite retail grocery store sales18. A separate analysis of 2005–2016 outbreak data found the outbreak rate effectively decreased 74% after adjusting for growth in consumption.19 However, raw milk can contain bacteria if not properly handled, which is why sourcing from tested, licensed producers and following proper storage is critical. The FDA and CDC recommend against consumption, though recent research challenges assumptions about raw milk risk trends.24,25,18
What are the potential benefits?
Some research suggests raw milk retains heat-sensitive enzymes, immune proteins and live bacteria that pasteurization reduces or destroys.12,13 Large European cohort studies have found associations between early-life raw farm milk consumption and lower rates of asthma and allergy in children, though these are observational findings that may be confounded by other lifestyle factors.1,2,3 The authors of those studies advise against raw milk consumption because of infection risk, and the evidence is not sufficient to outweigh the safety risks for most people.1
Who should NOT consume raw milk?
Raw milk is especially dangerous for infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems (including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or those taking immunosuppressive medications). Even healthy adults can become seriously ill from raw milk.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea), stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, or body aches after consuming raw milk. These could be signs of foodborne illness that requires medical attention.
How should raw milk be stored?
If you choose to consume raw milk despite the risks, keep it refrigerated at 38-40°F (3-4°C) at all times. Never leave it at room temperature. Consume within 7-10 days of production and discard immediately if you notice any off-odors or unusual taste.
Is raw milk legal?
Laws vary by state. Some states allow retail sale of raw milk, others permit only farm sales or cow-share programs, and some prohibit it entirely. Interstate sale of raw milk for human consumption is federally prohibited. Check your local regulations.
Can I give raw milk to my children?
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends against giving raw milk to children. Young children's immune systems are still developing, making them particularly vulnerable to foodborne illness. Infections that might cause mild symptoms in adults can be life-threatening in children.
What to Expect
Taste & Texture
Raw milk typically has a richer, creamier taste than pasteurized milk. The cream naturally rises to the top and should be shaken before consumption. Flavor varies based on the cows' diet, breed, and season.
Digestibility
Some people report better tolerance of raw milk compared to pasteurized milk. However, if you're lactose intolerant, raw milk still contains lactose and may cause symptoms. The native lactase enzymes in raw milk are present in very small amounts.
Transition Period
Some consumers report mild digestive adjustment when first consuming raw milk. Start with small amounts if you're concerned. However, any severe or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider as they could indicate foodborne illness.
Finding Quality Sources
If you choose to consume raw milk, source quality is critical for reducing (though not eliminating) risk:
- Licensed & Inspected: Only purchase from licensed facilities that undergo regular health department inspections. Legal status varies by state.27
- Testing: Look for producers who regularly test their milk for pathogens. Ask about their testing frequency and recent results26
- Cleanliness: Visit the farm if possible. Observe milking practices, animal health, and facility cleanliness
- Animal Health: Healthy cows are essential. Ask about veterinary care, feed quality, and herd health management
- Cooling: Milk should be cooled immediately after milking and maintained at proper refrigeration temperatures throughout distribution. Major bacterial pathogens did not grow in raw milk held at recommended refrigeration temperature in a controlled study.21
- Freshness: Consume milk as fresh as possible. Ask about production date and never consume past recommended dates
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Bloody diarrhea
- High fever (over 101.5°F / 38.6°C)
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dizziness, extreme thirst)
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
- Symptoms in pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals