For years it’s been said that drinking plenty of milk is key to maintaining strong bones.
This long-standing belief has been passed down through generations, but you might question its validity. In honour of National Milk Day, we took it upon ourselves to investigate, and a doctor previously provided some clarity on the matter.
Dr Karan Rajan, who is renowned for sharing health advice online, offered his judgement in a frank TikTok video. Contrary to popular belief, he stated that there’s actually little evidence to support the theory.
In fact, he had quite strong opinions on the subject, even going as far as to label it “one of the biggest lies” we’ve ever been fed. He went on to explain why he holds such firm views on the topic.
Dr Rajan explained: “You don’t have to drink milk to strengthen your bones. This is propaganda from ‘big milk’. Biologically, drinking milk might seem pretty odd. This bit’s pretty cool, so listen up.
“Milk contains a type of sugar known as lactose and, when we’re babies, our bodies produce a natural type of enzyme known as lactase that helps us digest lactose in breast milk.
“Eventually, once the production of breast milk stops, our bodies stop producing the enzyme lactase. Without lactase, we can’t properly digest the lactose in milk.
“If an adult is consuming a lot of milk, they might experience farting, abdominal cramps, maybe even diarrhea. Thanks to evolution, some populations began to keep the lactase enzyme into adulthood. This is known as lactase persistence.”
Viewers have been quick to share their thoughts, with one person questioning: “But doesn’t milk contain protein and calcium, which is good for the bones?” Another expressed frustration, saying: “I literally tried to explain this to people, and they wouldn’t believe me. I’m dairy free and have no calcium issues.”
A third commenter found the practice peculiar, stating: “I always thought it was kind of weird that humans drink milk from other species.”
How do I get healthy bones?
For those wondering about maintaining healthy bones, the NHS advises that a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential. These nutrients are crucial for bone health, helping to prevent conditions like rickets and osteoporosis, and reducing the risk of fractures later in life.
The NHS states: “Poor bone health can cause conditions such as rickets and osteoporosis and increase the risk of breaking a bone from a fall later in life. You should be able to get all the nutrients you need for healthy bones by eating a balanced diet.
“A good diet is only one of the building blocks for healthy bones, which also includes exercise and avoiding certain risk factors for osteoporosis. Adults need 700mg of calcium a day. You should be able to get all the calcium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.”