Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese, are good sources of calcium, which helps maintain bone density and reduces the risk of fractures. Adults up to age 50 need 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. Women older than 50 and men older than 70 need 1,200 mg.
It takes just a single glass of milk to achieve 25% of the daily recommendation for calcium and 15% of the recommendation for vitamin D. No matter your age, drinking milk regularly can help maintain muscle and preserve bone strength to lower risk for fractures and osteoporosis.
Milk has long been seen as an important source of calcium and other nutrients, particularly for children. But some researchers suggest that it is not a necessary part of a healthy diet for most adults, and may even be harmful if consumed excessively.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, each person's recommended dairy intake depends on age, sex, height, and other factors, Motley said. Toddlers and children need about 1 to 2.5 cups a day, while adults need about 3 cups of milk if they're choosing to drink it, she said.
Around 30 years of age, there is zero production of lactase. Without the lactase enzyme, the milk reaches the large intestine directly and the bacteria present can cause indigestion.
Between full-fat/whole, %2, skim/low-fat and fat-free milk, the American Heart Association recommends fat-free, 0.5% fat and 1% fat milk for consuming as they are lower in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories and have slightly more nutrients.
Milk is an important source of fats, protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D, and children of any age as well as adults can continue to drink it for the rest of their lives if they wish. However, lactose intolerance can appear later in life, typically in older children and adults.
Dairy can contribute to a healthy diet, but you have to be mindful about the type and quantity of dairy that you consume. Dairy products offer protein, calcium, and many other nutrients, but they can also lead to digestive upset and contain high levels of saturated fat and sugar.
Even though many nutrients are found in milk, some seniors may not want to drink it because it makes them feel sick and bloated. Like any other food item, it's important for seniors who want to drink milk to take a balanced approach. Seniors should avoid excessive consumption and limit it to a glass or two a day.
Just one week without dairy consumption can make you feel less bloated and your skin look clearer if dairy had been affecting skin conditions. Depending on your level of sensitivity to it, you might also start to feel a bit more alert, since dairy is known to make some people feel sluggish.
The recommendation for milk, cheese, yoghurt and/or alternatives for women is: 2.5 serves/day for women 19-50 years of age; and, 4 serves/day for women 50 years of age and over.
After an elaborate study, it was concluded that drinking dairy can actually help to lower the levels of both good and bad cholesterol. Moreover, the findings revealed that people who consumed milk regularly were 14 per cent less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease.
Swallow suspects that the key may have been milk's nutritional benefits, such as that it is rich in fat, protein, sugar and micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It is also a source of clean water. Depending on where your community lived, you may have evolved to tolerate it for one reason over another.
Dairy products are especially recommended for older adults because they provide numerous health benefits. If you are a caregiver provider looking for the best milk for older or middle-aged people, opt for cow's or other animals'. You can also go for plant substitutes: e.g soy, oat, rice or almond milk.
Most adults (79.3%) consumed some dairy (<3 cups), and 6.2% of adults consumed no dairy. More men (19.0%) than women (10.3%) consumed the recommended 3 cups of dairy.
The Bottom Line. If you aren't lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy, it's totally OK to enjoy a regular glass of milk each day. From improving bone health to helping mitigate cognitive decline, drinking milk and incorporating other dairy items into your diet can come with some health benefits.
Drinking at least three servings of milk or eating dairy foods each day is a good way for seniors, like Doris, to get vitamin D and calcium, and protein.
Unfortunately many adults gradually lose the necessary digestive enzymes from their gastrointestinal tract, and they become intolerant of milk. However, if it can be tolerated then milk is a very good food from infancy through old age.
The bottom line is no, dairy products are not a nutritional requirement for humans. We can get all of the nutrients for optimal health from a high-quality diet that limits or contains no dairy.
Drinking milk is beneficial for health regardless of your age. Milk is an excellent vitamin D and calcium source to keep up muscle strength, maintain healthy bones, and prevent osteoporosis. Still, low or non-fat milk is the best choice for the elderly.
Which type of milk is best for the elderly? Low-fat or non-fat milk is a good source of vitamin D and other nutrients. The elderly may drink fresh milk, but those who have lactose-related intolerance may choose lactose-free versions.