Soya and almond milk may put health at risk, says study

Researchers are now saying that trendy alternatives such as soya and almond milk may actually be putting people’s health at risk.

Soaring as part of the entire ‘clean-eating’ fad, University of Surrey scientists warn that these products do not contain enough iodine which is needed in the body.

According to the study, dairy milk is the main source of iodine in diet and provides for 40 per cent of the average daily intake. Switching to plant-based alternatives impacts health.

Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones, which help keep cells and the metabolic rate healthy and is especially important for the brain development of babies, particularly while they are in the womb.

According to Professor Margaret Rayman, an expert in nutritional medicine at the University of Surrey, mostly people are unaware of the need for iodine and it is important that people who consume milk-alternative drinks realise that they will not be replacing the iodine from cows’ milk.

Of the drinks tested 14 were soya, 11 almond, six coconut, six oat, five rice, three hazelnut and two hemp. They were each compared to semi-skimmed milk.