Does what you eat affect antibiotic effectiveness. How do certain foods interact with antibiotics. Can drinking milk reduce the efficacy of antibiotics. What are the best practices for taking antibiotics with food and drink.

The Impact of Diet on Antibiotic Efficacy

The discovery of antibiotics stands as one of the most significant medical breakthroughs in modern history. However, their overuse and misuse have led to a growing concern: antibiotic resistance. Recent research has shed light on an intriguing aspect of antibiotic treatment – the potential influence of diet on the effectiveness of these medications.

Understanding how food interactions can affect antibiotic efficacy is crucial for maximizing their potential and combating the threat of resistance. Let’s explore the latest findings and guidelines for consuming antibiotics alongside various foods and beverages.

Cranberries: A Surprising Ally in Antibiotic Treatment

Recent studies have uncovered an unexpected connection between cranberries and antibiotic effectiveness. Researchers have found that certain molecules present in cranberries can enhance the sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics, even at lower doses. This discovery has far-reaching implications for the future of antibiotic treatment.

How Do Cranberries Boost Antibiotic Efficacy?

The cranberry extract appears to work through two primary mechanisms:

• Altering the bacteria’s ability to expel antibiotics
• Increasing the permeability of bacterial cell walls

These effects allow antibiotics to penetrate bacterial cells more easily while making it harder for the bacteria to eliminate the drug. The result is increased antibiotic effectiveness at lower doses, potentially reducing the risk of resistance development.

The Role of Proanthocyanidins

Researchers believe that compounds called proanthocyanidins play a central role in cranberries’ antibiotic-boosting effects. These molecules work in concert to achieve the observed results, though further research is needed to identify the specific active components responsible.

Milk and Antibiotics: A Common Concern

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding antibiotic consumption is whether it’s safe to drink milk while taking these medications. The answer depends on the specific type of antibiotic prescribed.

Why Can’t You Drink Milk with Some Antibiotics?

Certain antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines and quinolones, can interact with calcium-rich foods like milk. The calcium in dairy products can bind to these antibiotics, forming insoluble compounds that are difficult for the body to absorb. This interaction can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Which Antibiotics Should Not Be Taken with Milk?

Antibiotics that should not be consumed with milk or other dairy products include:

• Tetracycline
• Doxycycline
• Ciprofloxacin
• Levofloxacin

If you’ve been prescribed one of these antibiotics, it’s best to avoid dairy products for at least two hours before and after taking the medication.

Food and Drink Interactions with Antibiotics

Beyond milk, various other foods and beverages can interact with antibiotics, potentially affecting their efficacy or causing unwanted side effects.

Alcohol and Antibiotics: A Risky Combination

As a general rule, alcohol should be avoided while taking antibiotics. Consuming alcohol within 48 hours of antibiotic use can lead to interactions, even in moderate amounts. Some antibiotics, such as metronidazole and tinidazole, can cause severe reactions when combined with alcohol, including headaches, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

Grapefruit Juice: A Hidden Culprit

Grapefruit juice can interfere with the body’s ability to break down certain medications, including some antibiotics. This interaction can lead to higher-than-intended drug concentrations in the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. If you’re taking antibiotics, it’s best to avoid grapefruit juice unless your healthcare provider explicitly states it’s safe.

Maximizing Antibiotic Effectiveness Through Proper Administration

To ensure the best possible outcomes from antibiotic treatment, it’s crucial to follow proper administration guidelines. Here are some key tips for taking antibiotics effectively:

1. Take antibiotics at the prescribed times and complete the full course, even if you start feeling better.
2. Follow any specific instructions regarding food or drink consumption.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your treatment.
4. Avoid taking antibiotics with other medications unless approved by your healthcare provider.
5. Consider taking probiotics to support gut health, but consult your doctor first.

The Future of Antibiotic Treatment: Harnessing Food Interactions

The discovery of cranberries’ potential to enhance antibiotic effectiveness opens up exciting possibilities for future treatment strategies. Researchers are now exploring other foods and natural compounds that might have similar effects on antibiotic efficacy.

Potential Benefits of Food-Antibiotic Synergies

If the results observed with cranberries can be replicated and expanded upon, we could see significant advancements in antibiotic treatment:

• Lower required dosages, reducing the risk of side effects
• Increased effectiveness against resistant bacterial strains
• Potential for new combination therapies involving food-derived compounds
• Reduced environmental impact of antibiotic use in agriculture

Navigating Antibiotic Use in the Age of Resistance

As antibiotic resistance continues to pose a significant threat to global health, understanding the complex interactions between these medications and our diet becomes increasingly important. By following proper guidelines and staying informed about potential food interactions, patients can play an active role in maximizing the effectiveness of their antibiotic treatments.

The Importance of Responsible Antibiotic Use

While research into food interactions and antibiotic effectiveness is promising, it’s crucial to remember that responsible use of these medications remains paramount. This includes:

• Only taking antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Avoiding the use of leftover antibiotics or sharing prescriptions with others
• Practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections
• Supporting initiatives to reduce antibiotic use in agriculture

By combining responsible use practices with a deeper understanding of how diet can impact antibiotic efficacy, we can work towards a future where these vital medications remain effective against bacterial infections.

Emerging Research on Food-Antibiotic Interactions

As scientists continue to explore the relationship between diet and antibiotic effectiveness, new insights are emerging that could reshape our approach to treating bacterial infections. Recent studies have identified several other foods and compounds that may have synergistic effects with antibiotics:

Garlic: Nature’s Antibiotic Booster

Garlic has long been revered for its antimicrobial properties, but recent research suggests it may also enhance the effectiveness of certain antibiotics. Allicin, a compound found in garlic, has been shown to increase the sensitivity of some bacteria to antibiotics, potentially allowing for lower doses to be used effectively.

Honey: Sweet Support for Antibiotic Action

Manuka honey, in particular, has demonstrated the ability to work synergistically with antibiotics against certain bacterial strains. Its unique properties may help prevent the formation of biofilms, which can make infections more resistant to treatment.

Green Tea: Catechins and Antibiotic Efficacy

The catechins found in green tea have shown promise in enhancing the effectiveness of some antibiotics, particularly against resistant strains of bacteria. This interaction could potentially lead to new combination therapies for difficult-to-treat infections.

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Antibiotic Efficacy

Emerging research is shedding light on how our gut microbiome can influence the effectiveness of antibiotics. The complex ecosystem of bacteria in our digestive system plays a crucial role in our overall health and can impact how our bodies process medications, including antibiotics.

How Does Gut Health Affect Antibiotic Treatment?

A healthy gut microbiome may contribute to more effective antibiotic treatment in several ways:

• Improved drug metabolism and absorption
• Enhanced immune system function
• Reduced risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Potential to limit the growth of harmful, antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Probiotics and Antibiotic Efficacy

While more research is needed, some studies suggest that taking probiotics alongside antibiotics may help maintain gut health and potentially improve treatment outcomes. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before adding probiotics to your antibiotic regimen, as timing and specific strains can impact their effectiveness.

Personalized Antibiotic Treatments: The Future of Infection Management

As our understanding of food-antibiotic interactions and the role of the gut microbiome grows, we may be moving towards an era of more personalized antibiotic treatments. This approach could involve tailoring antibiotic prescriptions based on an individual’s diet, gut microbiome composition, and genetic factors.

Potential Benefits of Personalized Antibiotic Therapy

Customizing antibiotic treatments to individual patients could offer several advantages:

• Improved efficacy of antibiotic treatments
• Reduced risk of side effects
• Lower likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance
• More precise dosing based on individual metabolism and gut health

While personalized antibiotic therapy is still in its early stages, ongoing research in this field holds promise for more effective and targeted treatments in the future.

Practical Tips for Optimizing Antibiotic Treatment

Given the complex interactions between antibiotics, food, and our bodies, it’s essential to approach antibiotic treatment with care and awareness. Here are some practical tips to help optimize your antibiotic regimen:

1. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding timing and dosage of antibiotics.
2. Keep a food diary during your antibiotic course to track any potential interactions or side effects.
3. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet, such as yogurt or kefir, unless contraindicated by your doctor.
4. Stay well-hydrated to support your body’s ability to process and eliminate the medication.
5. Avoid consuming alcohol during your antibiotic treatment and for at least 48 hours after completing the course.
6. If you experience any unusual side effects or concerns, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest research on antibiotic efficacy, you can play an active role in ensuring the best possible outcomes from your treatment.

Does What You Eat Affect Antibiotic Effectiveness?

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By Chloe Bennett, B.Sc.Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH

The discovery of antibiotics is arguably one of the great modern medical discoveries.

Image Credit: nokwalai/Shutterstock.com

However, the over-prescription and improper use of the potentially life-saving drug has increased antibiotic resistance. However, new research has found that what you eat may affect antibiotic effectiveness.

Cranberries and Antibiotic Effectiveness

The epidemic of antibiotic resistance poses a threat to decades of progress in antibiotic use to fight bacterial infections.

The overprescription and overuse of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture have led many to argue that we may be forced to a pre-antibiotic era whereby the risk of developing even minimal infections could be costly. In light of this, it has become vital to maximizing the effectiveness of current antibiotics used.

Recent research working towards this aim has found that cranberries may boost the overall effectiveness of antibiotics. Specifically, the researchers observed that pathogenic bacteria develop increased sensitivity to lower doses of antibiotics when exposed to molecules found in cranberries. Furthermore, resistance to the antibiotics was reduced.

It’s commonly believed that, aside from their antioxidant properties, cranberry consumption is linked to positive health outcomes such as protecting against urinary tract infections (UTIs).

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This led the researchers to investigate the molecular properties responsible for fighting several types of bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli responsible for gastro-enteritis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa responsible for pneumonia, and Proteus mirabilis responsible for UTIs.

It was found that cranberries increased bacterial sensitivity through two mechanisms. The extract was considered to alter the mechanism typically used by the bacteria to get rid of the antibiotic as well as increasing the permeability of the bacterial cell wall.

This resulted in the antibiotic being able to penetrate the bacteria more easily, and the bacteria struggling to get rid of the drug. This provides evidence as to why the drug appears to be more effective in lower doses.

The researchers suggested that central to this activity are molecules called proanthocyanidins. There are different types of proanthocyanidins and it’s thought that the molecules work together to achieve the effects observed.

Further tests were carried out to investigate whether the same pattern existed in a preliminary animal model: infected insects. Similar effects were established, necessitating further experiments to identify the active molecules involved.

Implications of the Research

The novel research may prove to be extremely useful in combating antibiotic resistance, as, if the results can be replicating in animals and the active molecules identified, then it would mean fewer dosages of antibiotics will be required in veterinary and human medicine. Conversely, the use of these compounds may help ensure that the antibiotics are more effective in their current dosages and administrations.

Considerations When Taking Antibiotics

Several considerations are recommended to be followed when taking antibiotics than can reduce their overall effectiveness in fighting infections alongside the probability of resistance. Different types of antibiotics come with their own set of requirements and guidelines to follow.

Medications and Antibiotics

Like any drug, antibiotics can interact with any other medications taken. Evidence has shown that specific antibiotics such as rifabutin and rifampicin can impair the effectiveness of some contraceptive pills. If prescribed these forms of antibiotics, then additional contraceptive methods are recommended.

Additionally, research has found adverse effects in those taking some forms of antibiotics alongside anticoagulants. Specifically, cephalosporins have been found to increase the risk of bleeding if taken in addition to blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin.

Food and Drink Interactions with Antibiotics

In general, alcohol should not be consumed while taking antibiotics. Even alcohol in moderation can cause interactions with antibiotics if consumed within 48 hours of each other.

Certain antibiotics such as tinidazole and metronidazole can cause side effects such as headaches, stomachache, nausea and vomiting, and hot flushes if taken with alcohol.

Similarly, it’s recommended that antibiotics are not taken with fruit juices or dairy products, as they can affect the body’s ability to absorb the medication. Instead, it is recommended that the drug is taken with water only.

Furthermore, the influence of dairy consumption on the effectiveness of antibiotics has been researched. It’s recommended that dairy products such as cheese, milk, butter, and yogurt should not be consumed until 3 hours after a dose of antibiotics is taken.

Likewise, juices or supplements containing calcium may also reduce effectiveness. Antibiotics should come with patient education material that gives specific guidance on which foods to avoid and how to take antibiotics.

In some countries, antibiotics can be purchased without a prescription. Antibiotic use in these areas tends to be high, as patients often self-medicate for conditions that are not helped with antibiotics and the increased presence of antibiotics provides a selective pressure for germs to develop resistance.

Studies show that these areas with higher use have higher rates of antibiotic resistance.

Sources

• Tufenkji, N. et al. (2019) Proanthocyanidin Interferes with Intrinsic Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms of Gram-Negative Bacteria. Advanced Science. doi.org/10.1002/advs.201802333.
• NHS (2019). Antibiotics: Interactions. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/interactions/
• Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (2013). Using medication: using antibiotics correctly and avoiding resistance. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361005/
• Farooqui HH, Selvaraj S, Mehta A, Heymann DL. Community level antibiotic utilization in India and its comparison vis-à-vis European countries: Evidence from pharmaceutical sales data. PLoS One. 2018;13(10):e0204805. Published 2018 Oct 17. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0204805

Last Updated: Nov 17, 2021

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Using medication: Using antibiotics correctly and avoiding resistance – InformedHealth.org

Created: November 14, 2008; Last Update: December 18, 2013; Next update: 2020.

The development of antibiotics was one of the great discoveries in modern medicine. They fight bacteria and can cure life-threatening infectious diseases such as pneumonia, for which there was previously no effective treatment. But the improper use of antibiotics means that more and more bacteria are becoming resistant to this kind of medication. So it is especially important to use them correctly.

Antibiotics can save lives, but they also relieve symptoms of bacterial infections and help us recover faster. But treatment with antibiotics also has side effects. Nausea or diarrhea are common, for example.

Antibiotics are also used far too often, and improper use is widespread. This has caused many different types of bacteria to become resistant (unresponsive) to antibiotics. Because resistance has become more common, many diseases cannot be treated as well as they could in the past.

When using antibiotics, it’s important to know the following things to prevent resistance and side effects:

• Antibiotics only work against bacteria. Many infections are caused by viruses and can’t be treated using antibiotics – examples include respiratory illnesses such as a cough, stuffy nose, bronchitis or the flu.

• Excessive and improper use of antibiotics causes side effects, and in the long term reduces their effectiveness.

What is antibiotic resistance?

In medicine, bacteria and other germs are said to be resistant if they are especially able to withstand exposure to external influences. For example, most germs that enter the stomach with food will be killed by stomach (gastric) acid. But some bacteria are covered with a mucous coating that protects them from the acid. They are resistant to gastric acid.

Resistance to antibiotics works on a similar principle: The bacteria have acquired a new property that protects them from the antibiotic. Some types of bacteria can produce a substance that makes certain antibiotics ineffective, for example. Bacteria that can protect themselves from several different antibiotics are referred to as “multiresistant.”

What causes resistance?

Many of the bacteria that are now resistant used to be sensitive to antibiotics. There are a few developments that played a role in this. To put it briefly, one kind of antibiotic could originally neutralize a certain type of bacteria and then effectively stop the infection. But the genetic material of bacteria can change by chance, sometimes creating new properties. If they protect the bacteria from an antibiotic, then the bacteria have become resistant. These kinds of properties can also transfer from one type of bacteria to another.

If antibiotics are used very often, resistant bacteria are better able to reproduce because the other non-resistant strains of bacteria are stopped. Antibiotics then no longer help against infections caused by resistant bacteria.

Which bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and why are they dangerous?

Strains of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria are often resistant to antibiotics. One example is called “methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus” (MRSA). Staphylococci can be found on skin and mucous membranes and may cause infection – for example if they get into open wounds.

Resistant strains have now developed in other types of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and pseudomonads.

What is being done about antibiotic resistance?

In Germany, antibiotics are prescription-only. This means that doctors are first and foremost responsible for careful and appropriate use. They are to first see whether someone actually has a bacterial infection. If they do, then it’s important that the antibiotic is prescribed at the right dose and for long enough, and that the right antibiotic is selected that will most effectively fight the bacteria.

There are also hygiene regulations to keep resistant bacteria from spreading further and preventable infections from occurring. These measures are especially important inside of a hospital. Antibiotics are used there relatively frequently, so resistant germs can develop quite quickly. If you come into contact with someone who has an infection of resistant bacteria, it can help to wear disposable gloves, a mask and coat, and to use a hand disinfectant to stop the spread of the germs.

Antibiotics are also used in veterinary medicine and in agriculture. Veterinarians also have to comply with the rules for handling antibiotics properly.

What can I do to prevent antibiotic resistance?

Being cautious when taking antibiotics can help prevent both antibiotic resistance and side effects.

The most important thing is to not overestimate what antibiotics can do: Patients often expect antibiotics to be prescribed to treat medical conditions for which they are not suitable.

Antibiotics are needed to treat serious bacterial infections like lung infections or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord). This is not the case when, for example, people who are otherwise healthy have respiratory infections caused by viruses, such as a cold or influenza (“the flu”). Antibiotics will usually be of no help because they only fight bacteria. Antibiotics also have side effects including allergic reactions, stomach and bowel problems, nausea and fungal infections. Because of these associated risks, it’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking antibiotics.

What’s important to consider when taking antibiotics?

Antibiotics should be taken for as long as the doctor has prescribed them. Just because the symptoms of the illness subside, it doesn’t mean that all of the germs have been killed. Remaining bacteria may cause the illness to start up again.

If there are some tablets left over, they should not be kept for later use or given to other people. Leftover medication can be disposed of in the normal garbage or dropped off at some pharmacies. Pharmacies are not obligated to accept opened medicine though. It is important not to dispose of the medication by pouring it down the drain or flushing it down the toilet. That is bad for the environment and also contributes to bacterial resistance.

Medications can only work properly if they are used correctly. It’s important to know the following things when taking antibiotics:

• Can the tablets be broken into smaller pieces to make them easier to swallow? Doing this can stop some medications from working properly.

• What food can you take antibiotics with? Antibiotics are usually taken with water because taking them together with fruit juices, dairy products or alcohol can affect how the body absorbs some drugs. Dairy products include milk as well as butter, yogurt, and cheese. After taking an antibiotic you may need to wait for up to three hours before eating or drinking any dairy products. Grapefruit juice and dietary supplements containing minerals like calcium may also work dampen the effect of antibiotics.

• When should you take antibiotics? Some antibiotics are always meant to be taken at the same time of day, others are meant to be taken before, with or after a meal. If you are supposed to take the medicine three times a day, for example, it usually needs to be taken at set times so that the effect is spread out evenly over the course of the day. You could remember the regular times of 6 a.m., 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. for an antibiotic that needs to be taken every 8 hours, for example.

• Can you take antibiotics together with other medications? Because antibiotics can interact with other medications, it’s important to tell your doctor if you take other medications too. Antibiotics might interact with some blood thinners and antacids, for example. Some antibiotics can make birth control pills less effective.

You can find detailed information on the use of a specific antibiotic in the package insert. If you’re not sure about what is important to consider when taking the antibiotic, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources

• Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (BMG), Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL), Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF). DART 2020. Zwischenbericht anlässlich der WHA 2016. May 2016.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Antibiotic / Antimicrobial Resistance. June 12, 2017.

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Infektiologie e.V. (DGI). S3-Leitlinie: Strategien zur Sicherung rationaler Antibiotika-Anwendung im Krankenhaus. AWMF-Register-Nr.: 092-001. December 15, 2013.

• Kayser FH, Böttger EC, Deplazes P, Haller O, Roers A. Taschenlehrbuch Medizinische Mikrobiologie. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2014.

• Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO). Antimicrobial resistance. October 2016.

• IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping
  people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health
  care services.

  Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the
  German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual
  case can be determined by talking to a doctor. We do not offer individual consultations.

  Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a
  team of
  health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can
  find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in
  our methods.

Why can’t you drink milk with antibiotics? – Save24.me

Milk with antibiotics?

The discovery of antibiotics has led to a great medical breakthrough, but many people do not forget about the benefits of familiar foods and try to combine drug therapy with traditional methods of health promotion. In the case of antibiotics, this is strictly prohibited, as this is one of the most “harmful” methods of treatment, and simultaneous use with other drugs and certain products can be harmful to health.

The question of whether milk is allowed while taking antibiotics is relevant enough, so let’s explore it!

About dairy products, that is, about the combination of milk and drugs, experts doubt. There is no doubt that dairy products themselves are good for the human body. However, most people have a skewed idea of ​​the usefulness that they think will increase the effect. Some believe that if they drink milk along with medicines, the effect will increase by 2 times. In this case, the doctor will say: “Milk with conventional medicines may be useful, but milk with antibiotics is no good.”

However, any dairy product can be taken 1-2 hours after taking the drug or 1:00 before taking it. Only those drugs that stimulate the gastric mucosa and do not bind to blood proteins and calcium contained in milk are washed down with milk.

Antibiotics are a very capricious drug. Once in the body, it affects everything that is in the stomach. Experts note the importance of following the instructions for using the drug, as well as the doctor’s recommendations on the correct use of antibiotics.
According to experts, antibiotics should only be taken with water. Eating should be postponed for several hours, unless this item is indicated in the instructions. Each drug has its own nuances and features and this must be borne in mind!

What if a person drank both milk and antibiotics? What results are expected?
Experts will tell you in which nuances you can use dairy products. You should always pay attention to the instructions, as well as:

1. When the time of eating coincides with the intake of medicines, that is, antibiotics, the intake of dairy products is possible. In this case, the benefits for the body will be greater, because you take the necessary substances and strengthen your health.

2. On the other hand, if the package leaflet says “do not take with food”, then it should not be taken with milk. Since food and dairy products can inhibit the effect of the drug in question. The entire treatment process is disrupted, antibiotics do not have the necessary effect on the disease. Treatment may require additional time.

3. For example, kefir may contain medicinal enzymes that should not be used in combination with other drugs. Absorption of the main drug is impaired and may affect the entire treatment.

4. Specialists do not recommend the combined use of therapeutic agents. Because the calcium contained in milk is combined with the drug, it can lead to unexpected results during treatment.

In most cases, taking a milk drink while taking antibiotics is not the best solution for the patient. This list can include not only milk, but all dairy products. Antibiotics and dairy products are best taken separately. Thus, the drug has a full effect on the problem, and dairy products help restore the intestinal flora.
Antibiotics aggressively act on bifidobacteria in the intestines, but thanks to milk drinks, you can recover.

what is their danger and how to detect them – Miltex

The world medical community has been calling for a long time to reduce the intake of antibiotics to the required minimum. After all, superinfection, which is not afraid of any drugs, has ceased to be a myth – now it is a terrible reality. But, as it turns out, it is not enough to limit yourself to taking medications solely as prescribed by a doctor. Today, antibiotics can “wait” for us even in such a useful product as milk.

What are antibiotics

Antibiotics are a huge group of drugs that are united by their action on bacteria. They can act in different ways: destroy the cell membrane in bacteria, disrupt metabolic processes in them, etc. But the result is always the same: the bacterium loses the ability to maintain its vital activity and dies.

Such preparations are certainly useful in situations where harmful bacteria cause disease and even life-threatening. But, alas, antibiotics do not have a selective effect and they act with the same “killing power” on both pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. For example, those that inhabit the intestinal mucosa or oral cavity and form local immunity.

How antibiotics get into milk

Animals, like humans, suffer from infectious diseases. And they also need treatment. Therefore, the detection of antibiotics in milk, even in high concentrations, is normal if a dairy cow has recently undergone treatment with these drugs. But such milk cannot be used for the manufacture of dairy products. It is allowed as a raw material when the concentration of the antibiotic in milk is reduced to hundredths or even thousandths of a percent (depending on the drug used for treatment). Also, antibiotics are sometimes used as a preventive measure when there is a possibility of mass infection of the herd during epidemics.

Marketed milk may contain up to 90-100% of the antibiotics present in it at the time of milking, of course, if such milk is taken to the factory. This is due to the fact that antibacterial substances are practically not destroyed and do not pass into other forms during sterilization and pasteurization.

In fermented milk products, milk with antibiotics is technologically unacceptable. And it’s not even in the special scrupulousness of manufacturers, but in the undesirable effect of antimicrobial agents: in their presence, fermentation does not occur at all or occurs incorrectly. Accordingly, if the concentration of antibiotics in whole milk is incorrectly determined, and it enters the line for the production of cheeses, yogurts, etc., then the entire batch may be unusable. Therefore, a qualitative test for antibiotics in milk protects not only the health of customers, but also the economic stability of the enterprise.

What antibiotics can be found in milk

Antibiotics in milk are represented by absolutely all drugs of this group that are used in veterinary medicine. These are penicillin, synthomycin, tetracycline, various cephalosporins, etc. – in general, more than 70 items.

Most often in veterinary practice, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are used. These antibiotics are among the most effective in mixed infections (which is often seen in farm animals), but they are also among the most dangerous when it comes to consequences.

What is the danger of antibiotics in milk

Of course, there is no question of any exorbitant doses of antibiotics in milk. But these drugs have several features that make them undesirable even in the smallest quantities:

• High allergenicity. In those who suffer from allergies, milk with antibiotics can provoke an allergic reaction. For this, a very small amount of the drug is enough, to which the immune system is sensitive – it recognizes even its smallest doses.
• Cumulative effect. Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline or streptomycin, tend to accumulate in organs or tissues. Accordingly, with prolonged use of milk with antibiotics, the internal organs that deposit a particular drug may suffer.
• Bacterial resistance. In order for an antibiotic to cause the death of pathogenic bacteria, a certain concentration of the drug in the blood is needed. But if the concentration is insufficient, the weaker bacteria die, but the stronger ones become resistant to this antibiotic. As a result, in a disease caused by bacteria, it may turn out that they are no longer sensitive to most antibiotics. And in the most severe cases, it turns out that there is simply nothing to treat a person with – antibacterial drugs that could cope with such a superinfection have not yet been invented.

How to determine the presence of antibiotics in milk

A truly accurate determination of antibiotics in milk can only be carried out using special test kits. The principle of operation of the test kit is based on the competitive immunochromatographic determination of the presence of antibiotic residues, and can be designed to detect one specific antibiotic or several at the same time.

At home, the only affordable way to know how safe the milk you buy is to do a fermentation test. To do this, add one tablespoon of sour cream to a small amount of milk, then put the milk in a warm place. If it does not contain antibiotics, after a few hours (approximately 2 to 4), it will turn into curdled milk. If the milk does not ferment at all or acquires a slimy and unpleasant texture, something (and most often antibiotics) prevents the milk from fermenting normally.

Is it possible to remove antibiotics from milk

This is possible only in laboratory conditions and only if it is known which antibiotic is present in milk. Then you can choose a safe way to neutralize the antimicrobial drug without violating the composition of milk and its nutritional properties.