Plant-based milk drinkers have a higher risk of depression, study claims

Vegans who drink plant-based milk are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety, according to a new study.

A UK Biobank study involving more than 350,000 participants and spanning over more than ten years has investigated the relationship between different types of milk and depression and anxiety.

The results, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, show people who drink dairy alternatives such as soy milk, oat milk or almond milk had a 14 per cent increased chance of experiencing depression.

Semi-skimmed milk drinkers were 12 per cent less likely to be depressed and 10 per cent less likely to have anxiety.

The authors from the Southern Medical University wrote: “Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, protein, and minerals, which are essential for maintaining human health. Milk is a good source of calcium that is easily assimilated by the body.”

The authors state that earlier studies have shown calcium to activate the production of serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter—a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerves—which is heavily involved in regulating our mood. It is often called our ‘happy hormone’.

“These findings indicate that semi-skimmed milk consumption may be linked to a lower risk of depression and anxiety, potentially highlighting its role in dietary strategies to promote mental health,” the authors concluded.

The authors also noted that full-fat milk contains high levels of saturated fat, which has shown to positively correlate with depression. This could explain why drinking semi-skimmed milk (with lower levels of saturated fats) might be beneficial for our mental health.

“The fatty acid profile of semi-skimmed milk might provide greater cerebral