• Adults' general health, lactose sensitivity, and dietary choices are a few of the variables
that determine whether milk consumption is healthy or not.
• Milk may be a nourishing supplement to a person's diet if they are not lactose
intolerant and like the flavor. A high amount of calcium that is crucial for bone health is
found in milk, which also has other vital nutrients including protein, vitamin D, and
vitamin B12.
• However, some people might not be able to drink milk well owing to a lactose
intolerance or a protein allergy. In certain circumstances, eating milk may result in
allergic responses or gastrointestinal distress. Alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milk
can be taken into account in certain circumstances.
• Not all milk is made equal, it should be noted. Skim milk has a lower fat and calorie
content than whole milk, which has a larger level of saturated fat. Reading labels
carefully and selecting non-dairy milk alternatives with few additional ingredients are
vital since certain non-dairy milk substitutes may include extra sugars.
• The ethical and environmental ramifications of the dairy business, as well as worries
about the use of hormones and antibiotics in conventional dairy products, are
additional significant considerations to take into account when deciding whether to
consume milk.
• For these above reasons, some people decide against drinking milk in favor of plant-
based alternatives or dairy products from organic or grass-fed sources.
Additional and specific points regarding milk:
• Calcium absorption: Even though milk is a rich source of calcium, it's crucial
to remember that not all of it gets assimilated by the body. Age, gender, and vitamin D
consumption are a few examples of variables that affect how much calcium may be
absorbed. Furthermore, some research indicates that maintaining healthy bones may
not truly need ingesting large quantities of calcium from dairy products.
• lactose intolerance: The inability of the body to completely digest lactose, a sugar
present in milk and dairy products, is known as lactose intolerance. Bloating, gas, and
diarrhea are some signs. Some individuals with lactose intolerance might be able to
consume tiny amounts of milk, but others might need to completely avoid it. For people
who are lactose intolerant, milk without lactose is an option that can be simpler to
stomach.
• Hormones and antibiotics: are frequently used in traditional dairy farming techniques
to boost milk output and keep cows from getting sick. Even though these compounds
are subject to government regulation, some individuals might still be worried about how
they might affect both the environment and human health.
• Sustainability: The dairy business has the potential to significantly affect environmental
factors including water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As a strategy to
lessen their carbon impact, some people can decide to restrict their milk intake or
adopt plant-based substitutes.
• Plant-based milk alternatives: Soy, almond, oat, and coconut milk are a few
examples of plant-based milk substitutes that are readily accessible. For people who
are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just prefer the flavor of non-dairy milk, these
substitutes might be an excellent option. To guarantee proper nutritional intake, it's
crucial to pick kinds that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Evidence-based articles and links:
Calcium absorption:
• National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium: https://
ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
• National Osteoporosis Foundation: Calcium and Vitamin D: What You Need to Know:
https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/calciumvitamin-d/
Lactose intolerance:
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Lactose Intolerance:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance
• American College of Gastroenterology: Lactose Intolerance: https://gi.org/topics/
lactose-intolerance/
Hormones and antibiotics:
• Steroid Hormone Implants Used for Growth in Food-Producing Animals: https://
www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/steroid-hormone-implants-
used-growth-food-producing-
animals#:~:text=Steroid%20Hormone%20Implants%20Used%20for%20Growth%20in
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• The Facts About Antibiotics in Livestock & Poultry Production: https://
www.meatinstitute.org/index.php?ht=d/sp/i/102248/pid/www.fda.gov
Sustainability:
• United Nations: Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options: https://
www.fao.org/3/a0701e/a0701e00.htm
• World Wildlife Fund: The Impacts of Dairy Production: https://www.worldwildlife.org/
industries/dairy
Plant-based milk alternatives:
• Plant-based milk has benefits for the heart and the planet: https://
www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/plant-based-milks-heart-planet-health/
• National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D: https://
ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/