How many glasses of milk should you consume per day?

In this brief guide, we will answer ‘how many glasses of milk should you consume per day?’ and discuss the drawbacks of drinking too many glasses of milk per day and the benefits of drinking many glasses of milk per day.

How many glasses of milk should you consume per day?

You should drink 3 cups of milk or equivalent portions of dairy products every day, as recommended by The Dietary Guidelines for Americans. One cup equals an 8-ounce serving, which is 237 milliliters of milk (7).

According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the portions of milk and dairy should be low-fat or fat-free for individuals at the age of 9 years and above. 

What are the risks of drinking too many glasses of milk per day?

The risk of drinking too many glasses of milk per day is controversial and, despite the number of studies and scientific analysis of Medical Associations, there are very few conclusive responses. 

However, one thing is known: the consumption of milk and dairy does not lead to increased risks of heart disease, stroke and hypertension (9).

Some studies support that drinking too many glasses of milk per day, that is, above 3 portions, can lead to an increased risk of the following diseases and adverse outcomes (2,8,9):

Milk contains lactose, which is converted to galactose and the presence of a high amount of galactose in the body can lead to oxidative stress and early aging, as well as to a higher risk of bone fracture and death (2). Galactose in excess was also related to toxicity and ovarian cancer (8). However, this risk may be associated with individuals who have a failed galactose metabolism.

The excessive drinking of milk is associated with a high incidence of prostate and breast cancers, as based on studies. The high fat intake induces the production of hormones testosterone and progesterone, which are related to a high cancer risk. In addition, milk contains by itself estrogen and IGF-I, a growth factor, which also elevate the risks of these types of cancer.

Milk also contains other exogenous risks, such as contamination by pesticides, melamine, oxidized fats, which are generated during the processing and storage of milk, and also veterinary drugs. These contaminants have negative effects on health (8).

What are the benefits of drinking many glasses of milk per day?

The benefits of drinking many glasses of milk are the following:

Nutritious meal

Milk is considered as a complete source of nutrition as it contains important nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, proteins, healthy fats and antioxidants. Milk contains bioactive peptides which help in the reduction of the blood pressure (9). 

The ingestion of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are present in an optimal proportion in the milk is known to act in reducing blood pressure.

Good source of quality proteins

Milk protein contains all of the essential amino acids needed by the body. It helps to reduce age-related muscle loss and promotes muscle repair after exercise. Both soluble (whey) and insoluble (casein) proteins are considered to be of high quality, and high assimilation by the body. 

After being debranched, the milk proteins release peptides which possess biological functions in the body, as they have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They also favor the immune system (4).

Their effect inhibiting the angiotensin-1-converting enzyme is related to reducing blood pressure. A study showed that the consumption of dairy was associated with a 20% reduction of blood pressure (9). 

Promotes bone health

Milk contains a variety of bone supporting nutrients that are thought to influence production and maintenance of bone matrix such as high biological value protein, vitamins C, D, and K, as well as minerals like copper, manganese, and zinc, in addition to calcium. This promotes better bone health (4).

In addition, calcium acts in the reduction of cholesterol levels. The effect of calcium in the cholesterol reduction is due to the soaping effect of this mineral in the intestines, thus absorbing fat and bile acids (9).

What is the nutritional profile of milk?

The nutritional profile of milk varies, according to the type of milk, the feeding of the cow and the production process of the milk, as well if the milk has been added or not with vitamins. One portion (8 ounces or 237 mL) of whole milk, 3.25% fat with added vitamin D contains, in everage (7):

Nutrientamount unit
Energy149kcal
Protein7.69g
Total lipid (fat)7.93g
Carbohydrates11.7g
Calcium, Ca276mg
Iron, Fe0.073mg
Magnesium, Mg24.4mg
Phosphorus, P205mg
Potassium, K322mg
Sodium, Na105mg
Zinc, Zn0.903mg
Copper, Cu0.061mg
Manganese, Mn0.01mg
Selenium, Se9.03µg
Vitamin C0mg
Thiamin0.112mg
Riboflavin0.412mg
Niacin0.217mg
Pantothenic acid0.91mg
Vitamin B-60.088mg
Folic acid0µg
Vitamin A112µg

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered ‘how many glasses of milk should you consume per day?’ and discussed the drawbacks of drinking too many glasses of milk per day and the benefits of drinking many glasses of milk per day.

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References

1.-

Milk. The Nutrition Source. School of Public Health. University of Harvard. 2022.

4.-

Pereira, Paula C. Milk nutritional composition and its role in human health. Nutrition, 2014, 30, 619-627.

5.-

Dattner, Alan M. Cross-reactive inflammation to milk as a causal factor in acne. J Hum Nutr Food Sci, 2016, 4, 1096.

8.-

Davoodi, H., S. Esmaeili, and A. M. Mortazavian. Effects of milk and milk products consumption on cancer: a review. Comprehen Rev Food Sci Food Safety, 2013, 12, 249-264.