How much milk should I drink?

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It is first important to point out that quantities will vary slightly between individuals of different ages and physical conditions and there are also many different types of milk available on the market. Indeed, milk does not simply refer to whole cow's milk that is normally pasteurised and has been through various stages of microfiltration. In fact, there are many different types of milk available, including raw milk (although this is banned in Scotland and some other parts of the world), goat's milk, sheep's milk, buffalo milk, oat milk, soya milk, rice milk and almond milk. Considering that each type of milk contains different ingredients and properties, it is impossible to suggest how much milk can be consumed on a daily basis without exploring each type of milk in more depth.

Milk Allergies

As a starting point, it is worth noting that milk allergies are fairly common and, according to the UK's Food Standards Agency, some 7 per cent of babies are affected by such an allergy in respect to cow's whole milk. Furthermore, many adults who suffered from a cow's milk allergy as a child have continued to drink the liquid throughout their lives, which, whilst increasing their tolerance of it, has caused lasting symptoms. Cow's milk allergy symptoms generally target the skin, respiratory system and gastro-intestinal tract. This means that many adults will suffer from acne, eczema, rashes, wheezing, constipation and diarrhoea without ever realising that the harmless looking liquid they pour over their cereal and add to their hot beverages is the underlying cause.

Cow's milk is contained in numerous products, not all of which are traditionally classified as dairy. Likewise, cow's milk is unsuitable for children aged under one, although this is largely because the substance contains an insufficient balance of nutrients. Children who suffer a milk allergy as a child will often develop an intolerance of it in later years. It is also worth addressing evidence that suggests cow's milk is not a product that humans should consume, which is obviously true for those people who are lactose intolerant. However, certain studies have shown that, even in people who have not previously suffered an allergy to cow's milk, where the substance is completely withdrawn from the subject's diet for any prolonged period of time, an intolerance of it may develop.

Milk and Nutrients

That said, cow's milk is also recognised as one of the primary sources of calcium in the human diet, which is important for healthy bones, teeth and other related health matters. Whole cow's milk also contains various other nutrients, including zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B. However, whole of full fat cow's milk also comprises a large quantity of saturated fat, which can have a damaging effect on the body. Skimmed or semi-skimmed cow's milk is markedly better in this respect although, again, such products are not recommended the children aged under five years.

Other Types of Milk

In short, people develop allergies to cow's milk because of the proteins it contains. However, goat's milk, sheep's milk and buffalo milk are not suitable alternatives because these contain similar proteins that affect people in much the same way. In fact, sheep's milk may contain twice as many minerals as cow's milk but it also contains double the fat, as does buffalo milk, whilst goat's milk, which is generally considered to have a salty taste, has been linked to the development of anaemia due to the way in which it binds vitamin B12 with another substance.

How Much?

Therefore, in respect to how much cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk or buffalo milk can be consumed on a daily basis, the most basic answer is none – at least for those who are lactose intolerant. Those people who can consume milk without any issue are advised to factor in the calorific content when deciding how much is best to drink daily and, as a general guideline, one glass a day is probably sufficient for most normal healthy adults.

In respect to other types of milk, the same basic principles apply as to how much can be consumed on a regular basis – indeed, a balanced healthy diet will always require that the nutrients and fats contained in different types of milk must be consumed sufficiently and in moderation. Starting with oat milk, which is made from the liquid produced when oats are soaked in water, it is thought that many health benefits can be obtained from drinking this substance as an alternative to cow's milk. Indeed, oat milk contains plenty of fibre, which can help to reduce constipation, vitamins and minerals (fortified) and has even been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels. Furthermore, oat milk contains a low percentage of fat, which is advantageous for obvious reasons – notably as to how much of the liquid can be consumed before it becomes negative to human health.

Soya milk has also been established as a healthy alternative to cow's milk, although a number of people can develop a soya allergy, which exhibits similar symptoms to other milk allergies. Soya milk can also taste quite bitter, which no doubt affects how much of the substance can be consumed by people regularly. However, soya milk is relatively low in fat and can help to lower cholesterol levels, whilst it also comprises an ingredient called geinstein, which is thought to help prevent cancer.

Rice milk is also thought to be very healthy for the human body. Rice milk contains low amounts of fat but is high in fibre, which means that it can lower cholesterol whilst ensuring regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive system. Rice milk also serves to maintain blood sugar levels, which is crucial in preventing diabetes and certain heart or circulatory related illnesses. As to how much rice milk can be consumed, this is usually not an issue as the product contains twice the nutrients as cow's milk and even less fat than soya milk.

To conclude, there is no definitive answer to the question of how much milk you should drink each day but, as a guideline, it is important to moderate milk consumption as much as any other food or drink. Furthermore, the type of milk consumed is arguably of more importance than how much.

How much milk should I drink?

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Milk Allergies

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How Much?

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