The biological significance of milk is to provide nutrients and energy for newborns, containing numerous substances essential for the growth, development, and protection of the young, including small amounts of various hormones. The composition of cow's milk varies greatly between different breeds and also between different stages of lactation. Fresh milk from mammals contains fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, minerals, and water, as well as hormones. The most important hormones that can be detected in milk and other dairy products are prolactin, steroid hormones including estrogens, progesterone, androgens, and corticosteroids. Additionally, the presence of various hormones such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and related hormones, as well as prostaglandins (PG), has also been confirmed in dairy products. It is estimated that 60 to 80% of the total intake of hormones through food in humans comes from milk and dairy products. The presence of hormones in milk and dairy products raises significant concern and doubts among consumers due to potential health consequences. Research indicates that hormones have negligible bioavailability and physiological effects on humans, as they are mostly broken down or inactivated in the body. On the other hand, some publications suggest that these hormones could pose a health risk to consumers. The aim of this thesis is to examine the latest scientific findings on the safety of milk and dairy products for human health, with a focus on the role of hormones, through scientific literature and critical analysis of the obtained information.
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