A minister’s recent statement claiming that cow milk enhances IQ more than buffalo milk has triggered widespread discussion. While milk is an important source of nutrition, scientists caution against drawing simplistic conclusions about intelligence based on the type of milk consumed.
So, what does science actually say?
Both cow and buffalo milk are rich in essential nutrients, but their composition differs slightly:
Lower fat content (generally)
Slightly lower calorie density
Easier to digest for some individuals
Contains protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and iodine
Higher fat content
Higher total solids and calories
Creamier texture
Slightly higher calcium and protein levels
Both types provide nutrients essential for brain development, especially in children — including protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
Brain development depends on multiple factors:
Genetics
Overall diet quality
Early childhood stimulation
Education
Socioeconomic conditions
Maternal health during pregnancy
Milk contributes to nutrition, but no high-quality scientific study conclusively shows that cow milk directly increases IQ compared to buffalo milk.
Experts emphasize that intelligence is multifactorial and cannot be attributed to a single food item.
Adequate intake of:
Protein
Iron
Iodine
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin B12
supports cognitive development. If a child’s overall diet is balanced, both cow and buffalo milk can be beneficial.
There is currently no consensus in peer-reviewed research establishing superiority of one over the other in improving IQ scores.
Oversimplified nutritional claims can:
Mislead parents
Create unnecessary food preferences
Distract from broader child development needs
Politicize dietary choices
Public health messaging typically focuses on balanced diets rather than promoting one animal source over another for intelligence enhancement.
Milk is a valuable source of nutrients, whether from cows or buffaloes. However, intelligence depends on a complex mix of genetics, environment, education, and overall nutrition.
Until strong scientific evidence emerges, claims that one type of milk boosts IQ more than another should be viewed with caution.
