Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutrition FactsBenefitsSide EffectsRecommended AmountWho Should Avoid ItAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutrition Facts
Benefits
Side Effects
Recommended Amount
Who Should Avoid It
Alternatives
Milk contains essential vitamins and minerals and offers several health benefits as part of a nutritious diet. Humans have been drinking cow’s milk throughout history, with studies tracing consumption back to the Middle Neolithic period, about 6,000 years ago.But drinking milk may also haveharmful effectsfor some people.
Cow’s milk is not ideal for everyone. This article explains the pros and cons of dairy in your diet and who should stick to dairy-free alternatives.
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Milk Nutrition Facts
Milk is rich in proteinand contains 18 of 22 essential nutrients, so it is often recommended as part of a balanced diet.
The Nutrients in MilkAccording to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an 8-ounce glass of reduced-fat (2%) milk contains:Calories: 122Protein: 8.17 grams (g)Fat: 4.64 gCarbohydrates: 12 gCalcium: 307 milligrams (mg)Sugar: 12 gSodium: 95 mgFiber: 0 g
The Nutrients in Milk
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an 8-ounce glass of reduced-fat (2%) milk contains:Calories: 122Protein: 8.17 grams (g)Fat: 4.64 gCarbohydrates: 12 gCalcium: 307 milligrams (mg)Sugar: 12 gSodium: 95 mgFiber: 0 g
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an 8-ounce glass of reduced-fat (2%) milk contains:
Calories
The amount of calories per serving of milk depends on its fat content. Eight ounces of full-fat milk has 146 calories compared to 83.6 calories in nonfat.Milk is a good energy source.
Carbohydrates
The lactose in milk makes it a rich source of carbohydrates. The body breaks these down intoglucose(blood sugar), which it converts into energy. Some dairy products have added sugars, increasing their carb content.
Protein
Milk also contains high levels ofprotein, making it a good source of this essential nutrient. About 20% of the protein in milk is whey, a soluble protein that the body digests faster. The remaining 80% is casein protein, an insoluble protein.Dairy protein contains all nine essential amino acids, which help with protein, neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), and hormone production.
Fats
Vitamins and Minerals
Milk is a significant source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including:
Benefits of Milk
There’s a reason you may remember public health campaigns encouraging people to drink milk. Researchers have found that dairy consumption offers numerous health benefits.
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Appetite Control
Studies suggest that milk’s high protein, lactose, and fat content keeps you full for longer and can help with appetite control. In a study of children with obesity from 2018, full-fat milk was found to suppress hunger for up to four hours.
Bone Development
Milk contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for bone formation and growth, including protein, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, as well as vitamins D and K. In children and adolescents, studies have linked dairy intake with healthier bone development.
High in Protein
Milk is a rich source of protein, containing about 8 g per one cup (8-ounce) serving.This results in several health benefits, including:
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Bone and Dental Health
There’s something to the public health campaigns that connected milk with strong teeth and bones. Research has found that nutrients in milk, including phosphorous, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and protein, play a role in bone development for both children and adolescents. Some evidence also indicates that it helps adults in this respect, too.
Milk and SmilesThere’s significant evidence that drinking milk promotes dental health. Milk’s calcium and phosphate content helps teeth retain strength and protects them from cavities.
Milk and Smiles
There’s significant evidence that drinking milk promotes dental health. Milk’s calcium and phosphate content helps teeth retain strength and protects them from cavities.
Heart Health
The relationship between milk consumption and heart health is complicated, with positive and negative effects. Some studies have consistently connected low-fat, high-calcium dairy products to lower blood pressure. This reduces the risk ofhypertension(high blood pressure), protecting the body from heart issues and stroke (a dangerous interruption of blood flow in the brain).
Diabetes Prevention and Management
In several ways, drinking milk can help the body fightdiabetes, a chronic inability to effectively metabolize sugar. Studies have found high dairy consumption reduces the chances of developing childhood obesity (excess weight), a significant risk factor for diabetes. Furthermore, researchers have noted that consuming milk on a calorie-restricted diet can help facilitate weight loss, which helps to manage diabetes.
Negative Side Effects of Milk
Though milk drinking can yield many positive health effects, it can also come with potential downsides. Some people are allergic or intolerant to dairy. Dairy consumption has also been linked with certain conditions.
Acne
Acne (acne vulgaris)occurs when hair follicles get plugged up with oil or dead skin, causing pimples or bumps on the skin. In a broad-ranging review of data from over 78,000 children and adults ages 7–30, consuming dairy—drinking milk and eating cheese—increased the chances of breakouts.Researchers aren’t sure why this happens but believe an inflammatory (immune) response to dairy may be to blame.
Other Skin Conditions
High dairy consumption has also been associated with inflammatory skin conditions. In some people, dairy consumption may triggereczema(itchy, flaky skin) androsacea(red, flushed skin) attacks. Even in those who don’t have an outright allergy, researchers noted that consumption can cause this response.
Allergies
Lactose Intolerance
As many as 68% of people have lactose malabsorption andlactose intolerance. These are problems digesting and breaking down lactose (milk sugar). Lactose intolerance can cause bloating, nausea, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, a grumbling stomach, and vomiting.
Bone Fractures
Though milk consumption has been linked with bone development and maintenance, it may also increase the risk of breaking your bones. In a wide-ranging study assessing data from over 100,000 participants, researchers found that increased intake in women between the ages of 39 and 79 led to a higher incidence of bone fracture.
Cancers
The evidence regarding milk consumption and cancers is mixed, with some studies finding it protective againstcolorectal cancer. In several studies, dairy intake increasedprostate cancerrisk in men andovarian cancerin women. Researchers have also connected dairy consumption with increasedbreast cancerrisk, though further studies to confirm this remain necessary.
Heart Disease
Though dairy intake has been associated with reducing high blood pressure and boosting heart health, it may also bring about negative side effects. Full-fat milk can cause spikes inlow-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol, which increases heart disease risk. However, studies have yet to consistently link increased dairy consumption with this issue.
How Much Milk Should You Drink a Day?
Barring milk allergy or lactose intolerance, most nutritional guidelines recommend regularly including dairy in your diet. It’s an excellent source of animal fats, calcium, and vitamin D, among other nutrients. According to the USDA, recommended daily amounts are:
However, all of this comes with somecontroversy. Citing potential links to diseases and the disproportionate lactose intolerance among non-White populations, the American Medical Association (AMA) urged the USDA to revise these guidelines and indicate that dairy is optional.
Who Should Avoid Cow’s Milk?
As much as dairy products can be part of a nutritious diet, they aren’t right for everyone. Those who have milk allergies ordisplay symptoms of milk allergies—especially infants and toddlers—should avoid milk. Another reason to avoid dairy products is lactose intolerance. Compared to White people, this issue is more common among African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you or your child is experiencing digestive symptoms or hives after drinking milk. They can determine if you have lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
Alternatives to Cow’s Milk
If cow’s milk isn’t a good option for you, many plant-based alternatives exist. These come from four different sources:
However, it’s important to remember that the nutritional content of soy, almond, oat, and other dairy alternatives varies and may not match that of milk. Of all the possible types of milk, only soy milk fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A is considered comparable to dairy milk in the USDA’s dietary guidelines.
When choosing alternatives to cow’s milk, check the milk’s nutrition facts label. Look for other options that are high in protein and low in saturated fats and don’t have added sugars or saturated fats. If you’re on a diet, be aware that some plant-based milks have more calories than low-fat or skim milk.
Summary
Though it isn’t suitable for everyone, milk can be a healthy, nutritious part of your diet. Dairy products are rich in necessary vitamins and minerals and are good sources of protein, offering many health benefits. However, some people are allergic to milk or have lactose intolerance, and consuming milk can lead to specific health problems.Plant-based alternatives, such as soy milk, may not have the same nutritional content as milk. Talk to a healthcare provider about whether to include milk in your diet.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Charlton S, Ramsøe A, Collins M, et al.New insights into Neolithic milk consumption through proteomic analysis of dental calculus.Archaeol Anthropol Sci. 2019;11(11):6183-6196. doi:10.1007/s12520-019-00911-7U.S. Department of Agriculture.Milk reduced fat (2%).Pereira PC.Milk nutritional composition and its role in human health.Nutrition. 2014;30(6):619-627. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2013.10.011Kavezade S, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Aflatoonian M, et al.The effects of whole milk compared to skim milk and apple juice consumption in breakfast on appetite and energy intake in obese children: a three-way randomized crossover clinical trial.BMC Nutr. 2018;4(1):44. doi:10.1186/s40795-018-0253-8Thorning TK, Raben A, Thorning T, et al.Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence.Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:32527. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.32527Shkembi B, Huppertz T.Impact of dairy products and plant-based alternatives on dental health: food matrix effects.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1469. doi:10.3390/nu15061469Mitchell CJ, Zeng N, D’Souza RF, et al.Minimal dose of milk protein concentrate to enhance the anabolic signalling response to a single bout of resistance exercise; a randomised controlled trial.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14(1):17. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0175-xJuhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, et al.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049Weimer DS, Demory Beckler M.Underlying immune mechanisms involved in cow’s milk-induced hypersensitivity reactions manifesting as atopic dermatitis.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27604. doi:10.7759/cureus.27604American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk & dairy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Lactose intolerance.Michaëlsson K, Wolk A, Langenskiöld S, et al.Milk intake and risk of mortality and fractures in women and men: cohort studies.BMJ. 2014;349(oct27 1):g6015-g6015. doi:10.1136/bmj.g6015MedlinePlus.Cow’s milk and children.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Milk and plant-based milk alternatives: know the nutrient difference.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Charlton S, Ramsøe A, Collins M, et al.New insights into Neolithic milk consumption through proteomic analysis of dental calculus.Archaeol Anthropol Sci. 2019;11(11):6183-6196. doi:10.1007/s12520-019-00911-7U.S. Department of Agriculture.Milk reduced fat (2%).Pereira PC.Milk nutritional composition and its role in human health.Nutrition. 2014;30(6):619-627. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2013.10.011Kavezade S, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Aflatoonian M, et al.The effects of whole milk compared to skim milk and apple juice consumption in breakfast on appetite and energy intake in obese children: a three-way randomized crossover clinical trial.BMC Nutr. 2018;4(1):44. doi:10.1186/s40795-018-0253-8Thorning TK, Raben A, Thorning T, et al.Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence.Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:32527. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.32527Shkembi B, Huppertz T.Impact of dairy products and plant-based alternatives on dental health: food matrix effects.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1469. doi:10.3390/nu15061469Mitchell CJ, Zeng N, D’Souza RF, et al.Minimal dose of milk protein concentrate to enhance the anabolic signalling response to a single bout of resistance exercise; a randomised controlled trial.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14(1):17. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0175-xJuhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, et al.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049Weimer DS, Demory Beckler M.Underlying immune mechanisms involved in cow’s milk-induced hypersensitivity reactions manifesting as atopic dermatitis.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27604. doi:10.7759/cureus.27604American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk & dairy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Lactose intolerance.Michaëlsson K, Wolk A, Langenskiöld S, et al.Milk intake and risk of mortality and fractures in women and men: cohort studies.BMJ. 2014;349(oct27 1):g6015-g6015. doi:10.1136/bmj.g6015MedlinePlus.Cow’s milk and children.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Milk and plant-based milk alternatives: know the nutrient difference.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Charlton S, Ramsøe A, Collins M, et al.New insights into Neolithic milk consumption through proteomic analysis of dental calculus.Archaeol Anthropol Sci. 2019;11(11):6183-6196. doi:10.1007/s12520-019-00911-7U.S. Department of Agriculture.Milk reduced fat (2%).Pereira PC.Milk nutritional composition and its role in human health.Nutrition. 2014;30(6):619-627. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2013.10.011Kavezade S, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Aflatoonian M, et al.The effects of whole milk compared to skim milk and apple juice consumption in breakfast on appetite and energy intake in obese children: a three-way randomized crossover clinical trial.BMC Nutr. 2018;4(1):44. doi:10.1186/s40795-018-0253-8Thorning TK, Raben A, Thorning T, et al.Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence.Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:32527. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.32527Shkembi B, Huppertz T.Impact of dairy products and plant-based alternatives on dental health: food matrix effects.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1469. doi:10.3390/nu15061469Mitchell CJ, Zeng N, D’Souza RF, et al.Minimal dose of milk protein concentrate to enhance the anabolic signalling response to a single bout of resistance exercise; a randomised controlled trial.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14(1):17. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0175-xJuhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, et al.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049Weimer DS, Demory Beckler M.Underlying immune mechanisms involved in cow’s milk-induced hypersensitivity reactions manifesting as atopic dermatitis.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27604. doi:10.7759/cureus.27604American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk & dairy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Lactose intolerance.Michaëlsson K, Wolk A, Langenskiöld S, et al.Milk intake and risk of mortality and fractures in women and men: cohort studies.BMJ. 2014;349(oct27 1):g6015-g6015. doi:10.1136/bmj.g6015MedlinePlus.Cow’s milk and children.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Milk and plant-based milk alternatives: know the nutrient difference.
Charlton S, Ramsøe A, Collins M, et al.New insights into Neolithic milk consumption through proteomic analysis of dental calculus.Archaeol Anthropol Sci. 2019;11(11):6183-6196. doi:10.1007/s12520-019-00911-7
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Milk reduced fat (2%).
Pereira PC.Milk nutritional composition and its role in human health.Nutrition. 2014;30(6):619-627. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2013.10.011
Kavezade S, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Aflatoonian M, et al.The effects of whole milk compared to skim milk and apple juice consumption in breakfast on appetite and energy intake in obese children: a three-way randomized crossover clinical trial.BMC Nutr. 2018;4(1):44. doi:10.1186/s40795-018-0253-8
Thorning TK, Raben A, Thorning T, et al.Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence.Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:32527. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.32527
Shkembi B, Huppertz T.Impact of dairy products and plant-based alternatives on dental health: food matrix effects.Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1469. doi:10.3390/nu15061469
Mitchell CJ, Zeng N, D’Souza RF, et al.Minimal dose of milk protein concentrate to enhance the anabolic signalling response to a single bout of resistance exercise; a randomised controlled trial.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14(1):17. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0175-x
Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, et al.Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1049. doi:10.3390/nu10081049
Weimer DS, Demory Beckler M.Underlying immune mechanisms involved in cow’s milk-induced hypersensitivity reactions manifesting as atopic dermatitis.Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27604. doi:10.7759/cureus.27604
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Milk & dairy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Lactose intolerance.
Michaëlsson K, Wolk A, Langenskiöld S, et al.Milk intake and risk of mortality and fractures in women and men: cohort studies.BMJ. 2014;349(oct27 1):g6015-g6015. doi:10.1136/bmj.g6015
MedlinePlus.Cow’s milk and children.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Milk and plant-based milk alternatives: know the nutrient difference.
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