🔍
Milk types

What are the benefits of drinking milk for adults?

Quick answer

Milk is a good source of protein and calcium, and the NHS says it contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Lower-fat milks are advised for adults because much of the fat in milk is saturated. Milk is not essential, and people who are lactose intolerant or allergic can get calcium from other foods. Choose pasteurized.

Free download

Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.

We use your email only for this download and, if you tick the box, to tell you about the pack. No spam. We do not sell it. Delete it any time: contact@drinkstype.com. Privacy policy

Thank you

Your chart is ready

Download the PDF

We use your email only for this download.
In this article
  1. What are the benefits of drinking milk as an adult?
  2. Is whole milk or lower-fat milk better for adults?
  3. Does milk help with weight loss or lower the risk of disease?
  4. What if milk upsets your stomach?
  5. How do you drink milk safely?

What are the benefits of drinking milk as an adult?

The NHS calls milk and dairy great sources of protein and calcium, along with a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Calcium helps keep bones and teeth healthy. Milk is one convenient way to get these nutrients, but not the only way. You can also get calcium from cheese, yogurt, fortified plant milks and some vegetables.

Is whole milk or lower-fat milk better for adults?

The NHS notes that much of the fat in milk is saturated, and that too much saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. For older children and adults, it advises lower-fat milks such as semi-skimmed, 1 percent or skimmed. Lower-fat milks still supply calcium and protein. Whole milk is fine in moderation in a balanced diet.

Milk type Good for
Whole Taste and cooking; more saturated fat
Semi-skimmed or 2 percent Everyday use
Skimmed or 1 percent Cutting fat and calories

Does milk help with weight loss or lower the risk of disease?

We found no official statement that milk lowers blood pressure, prevents stroke or helps weight loss. Claims like these online often exaggerate studies. Milk contains calories, so count it in your diet.

What if milk upsets your stomach?

Lactose intolerance is common. The NHS lists symptoms such as tummy pain, bloating, wind and diarrhea, and says reducing lactose helps. Lactose-free milk and lactase supplements are options. Milk allergy is a different condition that needs medical advice.

How do you drink milk safely?

  • Choose milk labeled pasteurized. The FDA says raw milk can carry Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter.
  • Keep it in the fridge and use it by the date on the pack.
  • Pregnant women should drink only pasteurized or UHT milk, says the NHS.

This is general information, not medical advice.

People also ask

Is it good for adults to drink milk every day?

It can be part of a balanced diet. The NHS advises lower-fat milk for adults because of saturated fat.

What are the nutrients in milk?

Protein, calcium and a range of vitamins and minerals, according to the NHS.

Can I get calcium without milk?

Yes: cheese, yogurt, fortified plant milks and some vegetables. Check labels.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. NHS: Milk and dairy in your diet, read 6 Nov 2026
  2. NHS: Lactose intolerance, read 6 Nov 2026
  3. FDA: The Dangers of Raw Milk, read 6 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Jun 28, 2025 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

What would help you most next?

One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.

More in Milk types

All Milk types ›
Milk types

What is whole milk?

What does whole milk mean? "Whole" means the milk still has most of its fat. In the US, the federal standard for milk (as…

By Drinks Type Editorial Team · Updated Nov 2026