‘Milk not a cure for TB’

MANILA, Philippines — Drinking milk is not a cure for tuberculosis, two medical groups reminded the public yesterday as it fights misinformation about taking milk to combat TB.

In a statement, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and Philippine College of Chest Physicians Council on Tuberculosis said TB is a serious disease caused by a bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs.

“(We) would like to clarify that tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is transmitted through airborne droplets between people,” the groups said in a short statement.

“Active TB disease, with susceptible strains, can be cured by a combination of a four-drug regimen: isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol given over a span of six months,” the PCP said.

The health experts issued the statement after misinformation about the health benefits of drinking milk to combat TB circulated.

They said “milk supplementation supports bone health but is not an alternative to TB management.”

“Delay of treatment can cause the disease to spread to other organs and other people and may even lead to death,” said the PCP.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said there is a need to enhance its active case monitoring to be able to find TB patients and make sure they undergo complete treatment.

The department added that TB is treatable.