A new study suggests that vegans may face a higher risk of depression due to their consumption of plant-based milks, such as soy and almond milk. In contrast, those who drink semi-skimmed milk may have a lower risk of both anxiety and depression.
The research, which followed over 350,000 participants in the UK Biobank study for more than a decade, assessed mental health indicators such as depression and anxiety. After accounting for factors like age, health, and income, the study revealed that people who drank semi-skimmed milk were 12 percent less likely to suffer from depression and 10 percent less likely to experience anxiety.
While skimmed milk showed no benefits in terms of mental health, those who consumed plant-based milks, such as soy or almond, were found to have a 14 percent increased risk of depression.
The study, conducted by scientists at Southern Medical University, pointed to the nutritional content of milk as a potential factor in its mental health effects. Milk is rich in essential nutrients like lactose, lipids, protein, and minerals, including calcium, which plays a role in activating pathways in the body that boost serotonin production.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, is a key target of many antidepressant medications. The researchers suggest that milk’s nutrient profile, particularly its calcium content, could be beneficial for mental health.
The research indicates that natural milk could have a protective effect on mental health, opening new possibilities for dietary interventions aimed at reducing the risks of depression and anxiety.
