Debate Raised Over Dairy Study

The question of how diet influences mental health has long fascinated researchers, and a recent study has added another layer to the discussion—suggesting that the type of milk one drinks could play a role in the risk of depression and anxiety. Specifically, the UK Biobank study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, examined 350,000 participants over 13 years and found a 16% lower risk of depression for those who drank full-cream milk, a 12% lower risk for semi-skimmed milk drinkers, and a 14% increased risk for those who consumed dairy-free alternatives.

At first glance, this would seem to suggest that those opting for plant-based milks may be at a greater risk of developing depression. However, as with many studies in nutritional science, the data isn’t quite as clear-cut as it seems.

Dr. Roxanne Becker, a Washington, D.C.-based medical educator with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, has raised concerns about the study’s methodology. One key issue she pointed out is that when the researchers accounted for total calorie intake, the increased risk for plant-based milk drinkers disappeared entirely. This suggests that the risk could be tied more to overall nutrition than to the milk itself.

Additionally, the study did not differentiate between individuals with normal weight and those who were underweight—many of whom may have had eating disorders. Given that eating disorders are strongly linked to both anxiety and depression, the presence of these individuals in the sample group could have skewed the results. In other words, the study may not be proving that plant-based milk increases depression risk, but rather that some individuals at risk for depression may already be more likely to choose plant-based milk.

So, what does this mean for those who prefer non-dairy milk? According to Dr. Chris Scuderi, a family physician at Millennium Physician Group, the key takeaway isn’t to avoid plant-based milk, but rather to maintain a balanced diet overall. “Our diet can certainly affect our mood, and if we are low in a certain nutrient, it can cause us to feel down, irritable, or anxious,” he explained. The real focus should be on ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, and protein—nutrients that are naturally present in cow’s milk but often require fortification in plant-based alternatives.

Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition, echoes this sentiment. While cow’s milk is naturally rich in key nutrients like vitamin D, B12, and high-quality protein, she notes that many plant-based alternatives are fortified with these same nutrients. The challenge, however, is ensuring that consumers are aware of what’s in their chosen milk substitute. Reading labels and choosing fortified versions can help bridge the nutritional gap.

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