Vegans more likely to be depressed as drinking plant-based milk ‘increases risk of depression’: Study

Date:


07 January, 2025 09:26 AM IST

Researchers have issued a warning over soy, oat, almond milk – they say these dairy alternatives are linked to health harms, while semi-skimmed cow’s milk has benefits.

Plant-Based Milk or Cow’s Milk: Which is Healthier? According to new research, plant-based dairy alternatives – like soy milk, oat milk or almond milk – may be harming your mental health. Research from UK Biobank found that vegans have a higher risk of anxiety and depression than they do when they drink plant-based milk. This research was published in the medical journal Frontiers in Nutrition. Read this also Is oat milk bad for you? Experts say moderation is key when drinking this plant-based milk alternative

Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, proteins and minerals, which are essential to maintain human health. (Symbolic photo: Pexels)

What the study found

Scientists who tracked more than 350,000 people with their findings debunk the myth that milk alternatives are always a healthy choice. He said those drinking plant-based milk were more likely to suffer from depression than those drinking semi-skimmed cow’s milk.

He said that after taking into account age, physical health and income, it was found that people who drank semi-skimmed milk were 12 percent less likely to have depression and 10 percent less likely to be anxious. No positive effect of skimmed milk was found, although consuming non-dairy milk increased the risk of developing depression by 14 percent.

This may be because dairy-based milk is a rich source of calcium, which activates pathways in the body that can boost serotonin production. “Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, proteins and minerals, which are essential for maintaining human health,” the study authors said.

‘Semi-skimmed milk may have a protective effect’

He further added, “The fatty acid profile of semi-skimmed milk may provide better brain [brain] Safer than full cream milk and skimmed milk, potentially reducing the risk of both depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that semi-skimmed milk may have protective effects against these mental health conditions, offering new possibilities for dietary interventions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and not any Substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.

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