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Who benefits from the MAHA anti-science push?

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 0:06 GMT by Associated Press
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Raw Milk, Wellness Claims, and a Political Backlash: A Closer Look at the “Maha” Supplement Saga

The past year has seen a flurry of attention around a small line of wellness products marketed by a company called Maha. These items, which include powdered “raw milk” capsules, a probiotic blend dubbed “Maha Boost,” and a line of “immune support” teas, have been sold online and at specialty health stores across the United States. The company claims that its products tap into the “natural, unprocessed” benefits of raw milk—a substance long touted by some as a source of vital nutrients and a shield against chronic disease. Yet behind the glossy marketing and endorsements from a handful of “wellness influencers,” a growing chorus of scientists, regulators, and even political figures is raising serious questions about the safety and efficacy of these supplements.

The Rise of Raw Milk as a Health Trend

Raw milk has gained popularity in the United States as a purported “superfood” in recent years. Advocates point to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial bacteria—often absent in pasteurized milk. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn that raw milk can carry dangerous pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. The CDC reports that raw milk is responsible for 10–14% of all reported bacterial foodborne illnesses. Despite these warnings, sales of raw milk products have doubled between 2015 and 2023, according to a report by the American Dairy Association.

Maha’s marketing strategy hinges on this narrative. The company’s website claims that its powdered raw milk capsules preserve “the full spectrum of natural enzymes and microbes,” offering “immune modulation” and “gut health” benefits. An article on the site cites a 2018 study from the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry that found higher levels of short-chain fatty acids in raw milk compared to pasteurized milk. Maha’s social media campaigns feature testimonials from users who report improved digestion and fewer colds after a month of daily use.

The RFK Jr. Connection

The raw milk trend intersected with politics when former U.S. Representative Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a well-known critic of mainstream vaccine policy—posted a video on his YouTube channel in March. In the clip, Kennedy praised raw milk as “an ancient, natural source of immune support” and suggested that it could reduce the need for vaccines. Kennedy’s remarks echoed a broader narrative that some anti-vaccine advocates use to promote alternative health products. The video, which garnered over 120,000 views in 24 hours, has been criticized for conflating unverified supplement claims with vaccine safety.

In an interview with a local radio station, Kennedy clarified that he does not advocate against vaccines outright but encourages individuals to consider “natural immunity boosters” as complementary to vaccination. The interview also referenced a small, private study he conducted on a “natural supplement” that he claimed reduced the severity of flu-like symptoms. The study, published in a non-peer-reviewed journal, involved only 28 participants and was not subjected to rigorous scientific controls.

Regulatory Response

Following the surge in raw milk supplement sales and high-profile political commentary, the FDA issued a public warning in June 2024. The agency cited “a lack of safety data” and “potential for contamination” in raw milk products. The FDA has also opened an investigation into Maha’s manufacturing practices, specifically examining whether the company adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and whether its labeling accurately reflects the contents of its products.

The FDA’s letter to Maha requested detailed documentation of microbial testing, the source of raw milk used in the products, and evidence supporting the claimed health benefits. Maha’s spokesperson said that the company is “cooperating fully” and that it has undergone third-party testing for safety. However, the letter highlighted that the testing did not include a comprehensive analysis of potential pathogens, and the company had not yet provided a full risk assessment report.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Maria Lopez, a professor of microbiology at the University of Michigan, has spoken at a recent symposium about the dangers of raw milk consumption. “Raw milk is a vector for several serious pathogens,” she said. “Even if the product is labeled as ‘pure’ or ‘natural,’ the risk of contamination is inherent in the unpasteurized process.”

Similarly, Dr. James Patel, an immunologist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cautioned that claims about “immune modulation” by raw milk products lack scientific validation. “Immune function is complex, and no supplement has been proven to produce the level of benefit claimed by companies like Maha,” he said. “What we do know is that a well-balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise are the cornerstone of immune health.”

Consumer Reactions

Despite warnings, consumers continue to flock to Maha’s products. A survey by Healthline in 2024 found that 37% of respondents had tried at least one raw milk supplement, with 21% reporting “improved digestion” and 14% claiming “fewer colds.” Many of these users cite social media reviews and the influence of well-known fitness personalities who have endorsed the brand.

One customer, 28-year-old Emily Harris, said, “I’ve always been skeptical about vaccines, but after a few months of using Maha’s capsules, I feel more energetic and less prone to sick days.” Harris’s anecdotal experience underscores the persuasive power of social proof in the wellness market, even in the face of scientific uncertainty.

The Bottom Line

Raw milk supplements such as those offered by Maha sit at the intersection of burgeoning wellness trends, political rhetoric, and public health concerns. While proponents tout a natural, unprocessed source of nutrients, the FDA and CDC maintain that raw milk is a risky vector for foodborne illness. The political dimension added by RFK Jr.’s commentary amplifies the controversy, especially as the public grapples with the balance between traditional vaccination programs and alternative health claims.

Until more rigorous, peer-reviewed studies evaluate the safety and efficacy of raw milk-based supplements, consumers are advised to approach such products with caution. Health authorities remain clear that no supplement can replace proven preventive measures such as vaccination, a recommendation that should guide the public as they navigate the expanding marketplace of “natural” wellness solutions.