Can Drinking Dairy-Free Milk Raise Depression Risk? Doctor Weighs In

While there are health benefits associated with consuming a plant-based diet, a recent study asserts that drinking milk that’s dairy-free can be risky to mental health.

Does this mean that vegans are at greater risk of developing depression because of the milk alternatives they choose? The study would indicate yes — yet a medical doctor who specializes in plant-based nutrition believes the research has some omissions.

The Study

The UK Biobank study was published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. It examined the incidence of both anxiety and depression in a pool of 350,000 participants who consumed different types of milk, both dairy and non-dairy milk.

The study results – which had about a 13-year follow-up window with participants – revealed that 13,065 people were diagnosed with depression and 13,339 were diagnosed with anxiety.

Dr. Becker’s Perspective

Dr. Roxanne Becker, a Washington, D.C.-based medical editor and educator at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, told Fox News Digital that the study showed a 16% lower risk of depression for those who consumed full cream milk, a 12% lower risk of depression for semi-skimmed milk drinkers — and a 14% increased risk of depression among those who drank other types of milk.

“However, there were some issues in the way that they analyzed the data,” said Becker. (She was not affiliated with the study.)

“And if you dig into it, you’ll find that the increased risk [presented] by the plant-based milks was not really a true representation.”

When the study accounted for total calorie intake, these risks completely disappeared, Becker pointed out, adding that the authors themselves noted this could have played a role.

Also, nearly all those consuming “other milks” had a body mass index of less than 25, but the study didn’t distinguish between underweight and normal weight, Becker said.

Fuel for the Mind

“When it comes to the food we eat, it’s important to have balance, no matter what specific diet we may be following,” Dr. Chris Scuderi, a family physician who practices at Millennium Physician Group in Jacksonville, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

“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,” said Scuderi.

To that point, Scuderi said he “always recommends that my patients balance their diet as much as possible, including [eating] plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the UK Biobank study may suggest that drinking dairy-free milk can raise the risk of depression, Dr. Becker and other experts believe that the research has some flaws. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and consider individual nutritional needs to avoid potential deficiencies.

FAQs

* Can drinking dairy-free milk raise depression risk?
+ According to the study, yes, but experts argue that the research has flaws.
* What are the benefits of cow’s milk?
+ Cow’s milk is a nutrient-dense food, rich in calcium, vitamin D, A, B12, and B2, potassium, and high-quality protein.
* What are the benefits of plant-based milks?
+ Plant-based milks may have some of these ingredients fortified, but experts recommend reading labels carefully when choosing dairy-free milk alternatives.
* How can I maintain a balanced diet?
+ Incorporate fruits and vegetables, lean protein, limit processed foods, red meats, and sugar, and drink plenty of water. Consult with a family physician to develop a personalized nutrition plan.