Is whole milk good for health?
Whole milk gives protein, calcium and vitamin D, but about 1.9 g of every 3.2 g of fat per 100 g is saturated fat. The NHS says whole milk is fine as a main drink for children from age 1, while older children and adults who want to cut fat are advised to choose lower-fat milk such as 1% or skimmed. Figures are from USDA FoodData Central and the NHS.
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In this article
What is in whole milk?
USDA FoodData Central lists “Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D” (Foundation Foods entry, FDC ID 746782) at these values per 100 g (about 100 ml):
| Nutrient | Per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 60 kcal |
| Protein | 3.27 g |
| Total fat | 3.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.86 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.63 g |
| Calcium | 123 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.96 mcg |
The older USDA SR Legacy entry for the same milk (ID 171265) gives similar numbers: 61 kcal, 113 mg calcium and 1.86 g saturated fat. Brands differ, so check the label.
Is the saturated fat a problem?
The NHS says most of the fat in milk and dairy is saturated, and that a diet high in saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. For this reason it advises older children and adults who are cutting down on fat to choose lower-fat milks such as 1% or skimmed.
Who should drink whole milk?
The NHS says pasteurised whole cows’ milk can be a main drink from 1 year of age, and not before. It also says not to give skimmed or 1% milk as a main drink to children under 5, because they lack enough calories and nutrients for young children, and that full-fat dairy is recommended up to age 2.
What we did not find
We did not find an official source that lists specific health benefits of whole milk beyond its nutrient content, so we do not make such claims. If you have high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes, ask a doctor or dietitian which milk suits you.
People also ask
Is whole milk good for you?
It supplies protein, calcium and vitamin D (USDA: 3.27 g, 123 mg and 0.96 mcg per 100 g), but most of its fat is saturated. The NHS advises lower-fat milk for adults cutting down on fat.
What are the health benefits of whole milk?
Per USDA data it contains protein, calcium and vitamin D. We found no NHS or USDA page stating further specific health benefits, so we do not claim any.
At what age can children drink whole milk?
The NHS says pasteurised whole cows' milk can be a main drink from 1 year, and not before.
Sources
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