Belinda
Study Indicates That Most Plant Based Milks Contain Lower Amounts Of Key Micronutrients Than Dairy
Updated: Jan 15
It's no secret that plant-based milks are becoming more and more popular as an alternative to dairy milk.

Plant based milks are becoming more popular among children because they are a great choice for those looking to avoid dairy. However, a recent study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics indicates that most plant-based milks do not contain as many key micronutrients as dairy milk. The study looked at data from over 9000 children between the ages of two and eight, and found that those who consumed plant-based milks were more likely to be deficient in important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, and zinc. While plant-based milks are a great choice for those looking to avoid dairy, it is important to be aware that they may not provide all of the nutrients that our bodies need.
So what does this mean for parents who are trying to make the best choices for their children's health? If you're considering plant-based milk as an alternative to dairy, be sure to do your research and choose a product that is fortified with vitamins and minerals. And of course, talk to your child's doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
This study is important for children because it shows that plant-based milks may not have as many vitamins and minerals as dairy milk. This means that children who drink plant-based milk may be more likely to be deficient in important nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and zinc. So it's important to do your research before choosing a plant-based milk, and to make sure that the product you choose is fortified with these nutrients.
Plant based milk alternatives
There are lots of plant based milk alternatives. People usually drink them because they don't want to drink dairy milk.
Just like with dairy milk, there are lots of different plant based milk alternatives out there. Some popular types include soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. But it's important to remember that not all plant based milks are created equal. So be sure to do your research before choosing one!

Oat milk
Oat milk is quickly becoming a popular plant-based milk alternative, and for good reason.
Oat milk is made from oats, and it has a smooth texture and soft taste. It's also second only to almond milk in popularity among plant-based milks. Oat milk is a great choice for those looking for a plant-based alternative to dairy milk, as it provides comparable nutritional profiles with fewer allergies. And unlike soy or almond milk, oat milk doesn't take up a lot of land to produce.
With its growing popularity, oat milk is becoming more accessible to consumers. It can be found in most major grocery stores, and it's even being used in some coffee shops as a plant-based alternative to dairy milk.

Soy milk
A 2017 study from Life Cycle Associates shows soybean uses less than tenth as much water as almonds and soy is less than 10 g per gram. Like legumes, soybeans cause a chemical in a plant's environment called nitrogen fixated. The reduction in nitrogen fertilizers resulting from a lack of research suggests it pollutes ponds and groundwater (by Cary Institute for Ecology Research & Development). The same goes for protein milk from legumes such as pea and peanut milk.
So why is soy milk important for children? Soy milk provides many of the same nutrients that dairy milk does, such as calcium and vitamin D. It's also a good source of protein, which is important for growing children. And unlike some other plant-based milks, soy milk doesn't contain any allergens, making it a good choice for children who are allergic to dairy or other plant-based milks.

Almond milk
It's also a good source of protein, which is important for growing children. And unlike some other plant-based milks, almond milk doesn't contain any allergens, making it a good choice for children who are allergic to dairy or other plant-based milks.

Key nutrients in plant based milk
One of the most important nutrients found in plant-based milks is protein. Protein is essential for growing children, as it helps build and repair muscles and tissues. Plant-based milks are also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are important for healthy bones. And unlike dairy milk, plant-based milks don't contain any allergens, making them a good choice for children who are allergic to dairy or other types of plant-based milk.
Plant based milk disadvantages
Some popular types of plant-based milk, such as soy milk and almond milk, contain lower amounts of key micronutrients than dairy milk.
This can be a problem for growing children, who need the nutrients found in dairy milk to help them grow and develop properly. Soy milk and almond milk are both good sources of protein, but they lack some of the other important nutrients found in dairy milk. For example, soy milk doesn't contain any vitamin D or calcium, while almond milk is low in zinc.
So if you're looking for a plant-based alternative to dairy milk for your child, be sure to choose one that contains the same amount or more of key nutrients. Plant based milks disadvantages while plant-based milk is a great choice for those looking for a plant-based alternative to dairy milk, not all plant-based milks are created equal. Some popular types of plant-based milk, such as soy milk and almond milk, contain lower amounts of key micronutrients than dairy milk.
When looking for a plant-based alternative to dairy milk for your child, be sure to choose one that contains the same amount or more of key nutrients. Plant-based milks that don't contain as many key nutrients as dairy milk can be problematic for growing children.