Study Links Plant-Based Milk Consumption to Increased Depression Risk

Research from over 350,000 participants suggests semi-skimmed cow's milk may have protective mental health benefits, while plant-based alternatives could elevate risks.

• A study published in Frontiers of Nutrition analyzed data from 357,568 individuals in the UK Biobank to assess links between milk consumption and mental health.
• Plant-based milk drinkers were found to have a 14% higher risk of depression compared to those who consumed cow's milk.
• Semi-skimmed milk was associated with a 12% lower risk of depression and a 10% lower risk of anxiety, while full cream milk showed a 16% reduction in anxiety risk.
• Researchers highlighted the role of nutrients like calcium and serotonin production in cow's milk as potential factors supporting mental health.
• The findings arrive as debates over dietary guidelines and milk regulations, including proposals to reintroduce whole milk in U.S. school lunch programs, gain momentum.

3 Articles

The Federalist Hindustan Times The Telegraph