Is Milk Bad for You? Here's What the Science Says

From milk and bone strength to lactose intolerance, explore the ongoing debate whether cow’s milk is bad for you. If dairy isn’t for you, experts discuss alternative plant based milk options.

By Sophie Putka
Jan 26, 2021 2:30 PMOct 21, 2024 5:02 PM
Woman hand in deny, saying no to drinking dairy milk.  Lactose intolerance and dairy problem concept
(Credit: ThiagoSantos/Shutterstock)

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If you grew up in the 1990s and 2000s, you couldn’t turn on the TV or open a magazine without seeing these two words: Got milk? And let’s not forget about the milk mustaches.

Even supermodel Gisele Bündchen donned one in a 2001 ad, posing with a glass of milk in hand, next to floating text that reads: “Want strong bones? Your bones grow until about age 35 and the calcium in milk helps. After that, it helps keep them strong. Which means milk is always in fashion. Got milk?” 

The iconic campaign was created for the California Milk Processor Board and was later licensed to other players in the dairy industry. But times have changed, and the public’s attitude toward milk has soured. 

Is Drinking Milk Actually Good for You?

You’ve surely heard claims that cow's milk is unnatural to drink (especially beyond childhood), or that milk consumption actually does more damage than good. But are any of these true?

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