Swapping dairy for plant-based milks and yoghurts could risk health - study
A study suggests that replacing dairy products with plant-based alternatives may lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iodine, calcium, and vitamins B2 and B12. Researchers found that women and young people are at the highest risk of these health impacts.
Why it matters
As plant-based diets grow in popularity, understanding the nutritional trade-offs is essential for public health and dietary planning.
Researchers looked at the risks of dropping dairy in favour of plant-based items, including 146 plant-based milks, 76 yoghurts, and 67 cheese products. File picture
Replacing dairy products with plant-based ones, such as oat and almond milks , could lead to people missing out on vitamins and minerals, a study suggests.
Even doing a partial swap may lead to deficiency in nutrients such as iodine , which is essential for thyroid function and healthy brains, experts writing in the Lancet Planetary Health journal said.
The research, which included contributions from UCC's Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, also found that children, teenagers, and women appeared to be worst affected by any swap to plant-based milks, yoghurt, and cheese.
Researchers looked at the risks of dropping dairy in favour of plant-based items, including 146 plant-based milks, 76 yoghurts, and 67 cheese products.
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