Rachel V Thomas

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Ditching Dairy For Oat, Almond Milk? Your Body Could Miss Out On These 4 Essential Nutrients

If you are considering switching from dairy to plant-based alternatives such as oat and <span>almond milk</span>, a new study warns that the move could increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children.

Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study found that replacing dairy products with unfortified plant-based alternatives could reduce the intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

“With the growing need to address environmental sustainability, many dietary recommendations are focused on plant-based diets and the reduced intake of animal products,” said Dr Katie Nicol, co-author of the study and Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, UK.

Dr Nicol explained that plant-based alternatives may not provide the same micronutrients as dairy products, putting vulnerable groups such as young children and adolescent females at greater risk of deficiencies that could affect their overall health.

<h2>Which Nutrients Could Be Lost When Replacing Dairy?</h2>

<strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/can-eating-peanuts-daily-boost-brain-health-and-lower-alzheimers-disease-risk-article-156449943" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can Eating Peanuts Daily Boost Brain Health And Lower Alzheimer's Disease Risk?</a>

The study warned that replacing dairy products, even partially, with unfortified plant-based alternatives could reduce the intake of four essential micronutrients:

<ul><li>iodine</li><li>calcium</li><li>riboflavin </li><li>vitamin B12.</li></ul>

In the study, the researchers examined the impact of replacing milk, yoghurt and cheese with commercially available plant-based alternatives on micronutrient intake.

They analysed data from more than 3,500 individuals aged between 18 months and 100 years from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Using a modelling technique, they assessed how different levels of dairy replacement affected the intake of these four nutrients.

The findings showed that even modest replacements led to marked declines in all four micronutrients, with iodine intake being particularly affected.

Replacing just 20% to 35% of dairy products with plant-based alternatives, under current market fortification levels, increased iodine inadequacy among adolescent females from 54% to 65%. Among women aged 19–49, it rose from 32% to 42%.

With complete replacement, iodine inadequacy increased to 80% among adolescent females and 72% among adolescent males.

<h2>Why Is Iodine Particularly Important?</h2>

<strong>Read More</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/too-much-cows-milk-linked-to-severe-iron-deficiency-in-toddlers-including-three-deaths-article-155481286" data-type="tilCustomLink">Too Much Cow’s Milk Linked To Severe Iron Deficiency In Toddlers, Including Three Deaths</a>

Iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and support healthy growth and brain development.

“People may also be unaware of the importance of iodine, which is needed to make thyroid hormones to regulate our metabolism, support healthy growth and brain development,” said lead author Dr Sarah Bath, Associate Professor at the University of Surrey.

She added that iodine is particularly important during pregnancy, when requirements increase, but adequate stores are also needed before pregnancy.

Dairy products are a major source of iodine, while unfortified plant-based alternatives contain very little of the mineral.

<h2>Can Fortification Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies?</h2>

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The researchers also assessed whether mandatory fortification of plant-based dairy alternatives could help prevent nutrient deficiencies.

They found that fortifying these alternatives with essential micronutrients prevented declines in their intake when dairy products were replaced. However, iodine inadequacy remained high, affecting 59% of adolescent females.

The study also found that iodine-fortified bread could further improve iodine intake, reducing inadequacy among adolescent females to 37%.

The findings suggest that combining mandatory fortification of plant-based dairy alternatives with iodine-fortified bread could be the most effective strategy to reduce iodine inadequacy.

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If you are considering switching from dairy to plant-based alternatives such as oat and almond milk, a new study warns that the move could increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children.Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study found that replacing dairy products with unfortified plant-based alternatives could reduce the intake of essential vitamins and minerals.“With the growing need to address environmental sustainability, many dietary recommendations are focused on plant-based diets and the reduced intake of animal products,” said Dr Katie Nicol, co-author of the study and Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, UK.Dr Nicol explained that plant-based alternatives may not provide the same micronutrients as dairy products, putting vulnerable groups such as young children and adolescent females at greater risk of deficiencies that could affect their overall health.Which Nutrients Could Be Lost When Replacing Dairy?Also read: Can Eating Peanuts Daily Boost Brain Health And Lower Alzheimer's Disease Risk?The study warned that replacing dairy products, even partially, with unfortified plant-based alternatives could reduce the intake of four essential micronutrients: iodinecalciumriboflavin vitamin B12.In the study, the researchers examined the impact of replacing milk, yoghurt and cheese with commercially available plant-based alternatives on micronutrient intake.They analysed data from more than 3,500 individuals aged between 18 months and 100 years from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Using a modelling technique, they assessed how different levels of dairy replacement affected the intake of these four nutrients.The findings showed that even modest replacements led to marked declines in all four micronutrients, with iodine intake being particularly affected.Replacing just 20% to 35% of dairy products with plant-based alternatives, under current market fortification levels, increased iodine inadequacy among adolescent females from 54% to 65%. Among women aged 19–49, it rose from 32% to 42%.With complete replacement, iodine inadequacy increased to 80% among adolescent females and 72% among adolescent males.Why Is Iodine Particularly Important?Read More: Too Much Cow’s Milk Linked To Severe Iron Deficiency In Toddlers, Including Three DeathsIodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and support healthy growth and brain development.“People may also be unaware of the importance of iodine, which is needed to make thyroid hormones to regulate our metabolism, support healthy growth and brain development,” said lead author Dr Sarah Bath, Associate Professor at the University of Surrey.She added that iodine is particularly important during pregnancy, when requirements increase, but adequate stores are also needed before pregnancy.Dairy products are a major source of iodine, while unfortified plant-based alternatives contain very little of the mineral.Can Fortification Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies?   The researchers also assessed whether mandatory fortification of plant-based dairy alternatives could help prevent nutrient deficiencies.They found that fortifying these alternatives with essential micronutrients prevented declines in their intake when dairy products were replaced. However, iodine inadequacy remained high, affecting 59% of adolescent females.The study also found that iodine-fortified bread could further improve iodine intake, reducing inadequacy among adolescent females to 37%.The findings suggest that combining mandatory fortification of plant-based dairy alternatives with iodine-fortified bread could be the most effective strategy to reduce iodine inadequacy.

ditching dairy for oat, almond milk? your body could miss out on these 4 essential nutrients

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