Why swapping cow’s milk for oat drinks could be bad news for your bones, teeth… and waistline

Plant-based alternatives to dairy may provide less iodine, protein and vitamins B2 and B12, raising concerns for people who replace cow’s milk, cheese or yoghurt with them. A recent UK study found that teenage girls and young women could be especially vulnerable to nutrient shortfalls, while older adults may miss protein important for maintaining muscle.

Researchers reviewed 289 plant-based milks, yoghurts and cheeses sold in the UK: only 12 per cent contained added iodine, fewer than half had vitamin B12, and one in five had vitamin B2. The study estimated that replacing a third of dairy with alternatives could leave 65 per cent of adolescent girls short of iodine; giving up dairy entirely could leave 71 per cent short of calcium. The article also notes that nutritional content varies between products and that some plant-based drinks contain substantially less protein than dairy.