There’s no reason for adults to drink cow’s milk unless they like it, according to Vasanti Malik of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
While milk does contain nutrients including vitamin D, protein and calcium, adults are likely to get them elsewhere in their diet, said Malik, adjunct assistant professor of nutrition, in a November 29, 2019 USA Today article. She added that since kids tend to eat a less varied diet than adults, milk can be a convenient way to ensure that they get adequate nutrients as they grow.
For adults who do drink milk, Malik suggested choosing lower-fat varieties.
She also cautioned that plant-based milks may not always be healthier than cow’s milk. For example, they may contain added sugars. However, they are a better choice for those whose primary concern is environmental impact, she said. Soy, almond, oat, and rice milk produce less carbon and greenhouse gas emissions than cow’s milk, in addition to using less land and water.
Read the USA Today article: Do adults need to drink cow’s milk? Probably not, experts say