Mohamad-Ali Salloum is a Pharmacist and science writer. He loves simplifying science to the general public and healthcare students through words and illustrations. When he's not working, you can usually find him in the gym, reading a book, or learning a new skill.
Fish and Milk: is this combination harmful?
Mohamad Ali Salloum, PharmD • May 1, 2022
Share
At least once in your lifetime you’ve heard someone say that combining fish with milk is harmful and you should avoid it.
I’m pretty sure most of us heard it from our grandmothers.
To give the older generations some credit, I do admit that some of the sayings or the traditions we hear about happens to be eventually correct and real after some research and studies are done.
So is this one a myth or a real thing?
Let’s dive into science now.
Scientifically the only reason to avoid this kind of combination if you’re allergic to either of the products. No study has proven that this combination do side effects in the humans.
When searching for this correlation, you will find a lot of websites talking about the topic, but you will find no valid studies discussing this issue.
Most of the websites talk about the alternative medicine called Ayurveda, a comprehensive, natural health care system that originated in the ancient Vedic times of India (1).
Another theory I have in mind is that this saying was created across generations since our ancestors did not know how to cook fish and and de-contaminate milk. They ended up having undercooked or contaminated fish and milk.
It’s enough for a person to eat just one contaminated product and get hospitalized, so what do you think if a person ate spoiled fish and milk. I can imagine that this was a crisis back then when someone got sick and there were no medications except for some herbal products.
In conclusion, as there is no proof about the opposite, we can say that this combination is not toxic and for sure it will not kill you. It depends on your preference and if you like the products together. It’s preferable to avoid it if you have any known allergy to any of the products.
List of Services
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD
Share
Recent articles:
This article explains why avoidance is so powerful, how it silently shapes your emotions and behaviors, and evidence‑based strategies that help you break the cycle.
Are you having Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATs)? We got you 💆♂️
Learn how to break the vicious cycle by addressing your behaviors!
Low Mood is NOT random!
Learn how CBT rewires thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—and test your knowledge with a quick quiz.
A clear, engaging walkthrough of fentanyl’s pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics—from administration to metabolism and excretion—designed for pharmacy and medical students, with visuals, summaries, and an interactive quiz.
Understand Aspirin easily with this blog post.
Learn about Buprenorphine, the strong gripper, but weak pusher 😅
References : American Chemical Society. Tramadol – Molecule of the Week Archive. December 16, 2014. [acs.org] DEA Diversion Control Division. Tramadol Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section Report. April 2025. [deadiversi....usdoj.gov] Grond S, Sablotzki A. Clinical pharmacology of tramadol. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2004;43(13):879‑923. [go.drugbank.com] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ULTRAM® (tramadol hydrochloride) tablets label. 2004. [accessdata.fda.gov] Nickson C. Tramadol – CCC Pharmacology. Life in the Fast Lane ; 2024. [litfl.com] DrugBank Online. Tramadol: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action. DB00193. [go.drugbank.com] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets (DailyMed). 2023. [dailymed.nlm.nih.gov] Dean L. Tramadol Therapy and CYP2D6 Genotype. Medical Genetics Summaries . 2015. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tramadol ER Capsules Label Information. 2010. [accessdata.fda.gov] EBM Consult. Mechanism for Tramadol‑Induced Serotonin Syndrome in Patients Taking SSRIs. 2017. Medsafe Pharmacovigilance. Serious Reactions with Tramadol: Seizures and Serotonin Syndrome. 2007. Hassamal S, Miotto K, Dale W, Danovitch I. Tramadol: Understanding the Risk of Serotonin Syndrome and Seizures. Am J Med. 2018;131(11):1382.e1–6. Medscape Reference. Ultram, ConZip (tramadol) dosing, indications, interactions. 2026.
A thoughtful reflection on Declutter Your Mind, exploring mental clutter, awareness, negative thinking patterns, mindfulness, and practical habits for mental clarity.