Patna: For ages, Indian households have treated fish and milk as a forbidden food combination, warning that consuming them together could cause skin diseases, digestive problems or even poisoning. Modern medical science, however, paints a far less alarming picture.There is no established scientific evidence that eating fish and drinking milk together produces a toxic reaction in the human body. Both are nutrient-rich foods and consuming them together does not make either poisonous.Former state president of the Indian Medical Association Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said the concern arises mainly when a person has an allergy or intolerance to either food. Milk and fish are recognised food allergens, and reactions can range from rashes and vomiting to breathing difficulty and, in severe cases, fatal anaphylaxis.“Similarly, a person with lactose intolerance may experience bloating, abdominal pain or diarrhoea after consuming milk, irrespective of whether fish is eaten with it,” Dr Prasad said.Ayurvedic traditions, however, take a different view. Former principal of Patna govt Ayurvedic College Dineshwar Prasad said some schools advise against combining fish and milk as both are rich in protein and may be difficult for some people to digest together. Discomfort in certain individuals, however, is very different from the combination being inherently poisonous.Meanwhile, the nutritional value of fish is firmly supported by modern science. Fish provides high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Its most celebrated nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA.“Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, tuna and mackerel are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids,” said Dr Satish Kumar of Nalanda Medical College and Hospital. These fats support brain and eye development and are associated with cardiovascular benefits.Well-known paediatrician Dr Vivekanand said fish also supplies vitamin D, iodine and selenium, supporting bone health, thyroid function and metabolism. Regular consumption has also been linked with better cognitive and eye health.
