University research has moo-ved in on the debate over which is better with your morning coffee: cow’s milk or plant-based alternatives.
Dairy Milk Takes the Lead
A review by ECU’s Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute — which was supported by Global Dairy Platform — has suggested cow’s milk is better for you than plant-based alternatives. It examined the “milk matrix” — the structure of milk that brings together nutrients, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds.
“Milk is more than just calcium, protein and fat; it’s a complex whole food, and how its nutrients are packaged together is more important than initially thought,” Associate Professor Therese O’Sullivan said.
Complex Nutrient Structure
Milk contains more than 100 nutrients and bioactive substances arranged in a unique physical structure. This structure affects how nutrients are digested and absorbed, how blood sugar responds after a meal, how fats affect cholesterol and how the gut microbiome responds.
“It’s the way all the parts of milk interact that appears to link to many of its health benefits,” Associate Professor O’Sullivan said.
Plant-Based Alternatives Fall Short
Plant-based drinks may be increasing in popularity, but the study found they did not consistently match the nutritional quality or health outcomes associated with dairy milk. Researchers found regular milk consumption was linked to stronger bones and a lower risk of fractures, with some evidence showing up to a 43 per cent reduction among people who drink one to two cups a day.
In contrast, calcium supplements, often used as a replacement, showed mixed results and in some cases were associated with a higher risk of heart disease, particularly among older women.
Nutrient Absorption Differences
Researchers said the difference came down to the way nutrients were delivered. “Calcium in milk is combined with protein, phosphorus and other components that help the body absorb and use it efficiently,” Associate Professor O’Sullivan said. “This is something that plant-based drinks and supplements cannot fully replicate.”
The research claimed nutrients added to many different plant-based milks, such as soy, almond, oat and rice, may not be as easily absorbed. And in many cases, these products also contained added sugars, oils or stabilisers to improve taste and texture.
Concerns for Children
The study also raised concerns about the growing trend of replacing dairy with plant-based alternatives for children. “There is a common perception that plant-based drinks are automatically healthier, but that’s not always the case,” Exercise Medicine Research Institute dietitian Dr Analise Nicholl said.
“For some groups, especially children, omitting dairy products without careful planning can lead to nutrient gaps, particularly in protein, calcium, iodine and vitamin B12 needed for growth and development. Deficiencies can leave children vulnerable to conditions such as protein-energy malnutrition, rickets, scurvy, goitre and developmental delays.”
Funding Transparency
Funding for the research was provided by Global Dairy Platform, but the authors maintained control of all aspects of it, including the interpretation of the data.
