- Milk alternatives are becoming increasingly popular for those with allergies or intolerances, or those who prefer a dairy-free diet.
- However, consumers are not always aware of the difference in micronutrient content of plant-based milk alternatives when compared to cow’s milk.
- So researchers analyzed a variety of plant-based milks and found that mineral content varied not only by type, but also by brand.
Plant-based alternatives to milk are popular for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. Many people may prefer the taste of plant-based milk alternatives to regular milk.
Plant-based milk options include soy, coconut, oat, hemp, rice, quinoa, peas, almonds, and other types of nuts, but nutritional profiles can vary between specific brands and types. is often found.
Milk is an important source of micronutrients such as phosphorus, selenium and zinc, Therefore, it is important to understand the differences in the nutritional content of the plant-based milk replacers that consumers are consuming.
Previous studies have analyzed the nutritional value of plant-based milk alternatives compared to cow’s milk. And now, researchers at the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) have analyzed the nutritional composition of various plant-based dairy products and discovered that different types and brands have different mineral content.
They found that pea-based beverages had the highest levels of phosphorus, selenium, and zinc, and soy milk had the highest levels of magnesium overall.
The researchers presented their findings at the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Fall Meeting in Chicago.
Sue Reeves, PhD, registered dietitian and Nutrition Society Fellow, who was not involved in the new research, said: medical news today Make sure people are likely to choose plant-based milk alternatives for the following reasons:
- Allergies and Intolerances: Some people are lactose intolerant. This means it does not produce the lactase enzyme needed to break down lactose.
- Veganism:People who follow a vegan or plant-based diet do not consume or use animal products out of concern for animal welfare.
- sustainability: Among other ecological impacts, cows contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, so people may choose to go dairy-free for environmental reasons.
Illinois Institute of Technology and
As part of their analysis, they measured the amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium in a total of 85 samples.
We chose these specific micronutrients because they don’t need to be listed.
Using statistical analysis, researchers found that mineral content varied significantly. Differences were found between different types of plant-based milk substitutes (i.e., soy-based and almond), but also between brands of the same type of product.
Of all the samples analyzed in this study, only the pea- and soy-based drinks had higher levels of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium compared to cow’s milk. Pea milk was the highest, with about 50% higher levels of phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.
FDA research chemist and principal investigator of the study, Dr. Ben Redan, explained: MNT Why it’s important to consider the differences between plant-based milk alternatives.
“With the increasing popularity of plant-based milk alternatives, it is important for consumers to understand how they affect their overall intake of essential mineral micronutrients.
“Mineral micronutrients as measured by these products are known to play a role in many functions in the body, including normal immune system function and proper regulation of blood pressure. [and] Glucose, and bone health. ”
– Dr. Ben Redan, FDA Research Chemist, Principal Investigator of the Study
Lily Chapman, BSc, MSc, Performance Coach, Sports and Exercise Dietitian, not involved in the study, agrees with MNT on how the nutritional composition of different plant-based milks tends to change. I emphasized that
“To further complicate this, we are continually adding to our range of plant-based milks in terms of milk types, fortifications and different brands available, and we are also impacting these nutritional content. We may give,” Chapman said.
Dr. Redan explains: base drink)
He said the findings suggest that “certain plant-based milk replacers may be a source of mineral micronutrients, but differences between product types should be considered when considering their nutritional value.” We need to put it in,” he said.
“The pea-based milk replacement products contained, on average, more of the majority of the measured mineral micronutrients compared to the bean-based milk replacement products.” Compared to plant-based milk replacers, either soy milk or pea-based milk replacers contained more target mineral micronutrients.
Dr. Ben Redan, FDA Research Chemist, Principal Investigator of the Study
Dr. Redang said his research focused on evaluating target mineral micronutrients in plant-based dairy products.
“The limitation is that it doesn’t take into account how certain ingredients present in some of these products reduce the body’s ability to absorb these nutrients (i.e. their bioavailability “Another issue is that consumers with tree nut or soy allergies should avoid products containing these allergens.
Despite the strong nutritional profiles of peas and soy milk, these choices may not be suitable for everyone. may not be suitable for some allergies.
The researchers hope that data on essential minerals will help consumers make informed decisions about plant-based milk alternatives, but the purpose of this study is to It’s about providing information rather than giving advice in favor of one type of plant-based milk over another.
“It’s certainly worth checking labels for plant-based milk substitutes, as some are sweetened, have added sugar, and many are low in protein,” Dr. Reeves said. ‘Additionally, plant-based milks may be low in calcium, iodine and vitamin B12, nutrients normally found in cow’s milk, so check the label to see if it’s fortified.’
Additionally, some plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk, can have negative environmental impacts.
“Overall, each milk has different strengths and weaknesses when looking at different nutritional properties,” Chapman said.
“In my opinion, pick the one you enjoy the most (tastically) and that fits your own goals and circumstances. Almond milk is essential.Ethics is another consideration, with the global impact of animal husbandry estimated to be 14.5% of anthropogenic emissions.This helps sustainability and animal welfare advocacy. found to be a strong motivation for
As with any dietary choice, the key to overall health and well-being is maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. You may choose to alternate between using different plant-based milk alternatives.
No problem switching between them. I personally like oats in my coffee, hazelnuts in my oats, and soy in my protein shakes.
Lily Chapman, BSc MSc, Performance Coach, Sports and Exercise Nutritionist
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