Whether it be intolerances, sensitivities or allergies, there are plenty of valid reasons that people try to avoid dairy and milk. Health issues aside, milk can actually be beneficial to those who can tolerate it (and even enjoy it!). See what experts have to say on a few common dairy myths below. 

MYTH: Dairy is a bad idea for everyone.

With all the dairy-free and plant-based dairy alternatives, it can be assumed by some that dairy serves no purpose health-wise. This is not the case, according to chief wellness officer of Cleveland Clinic Michael Roizen, M.D.

“So many diets tell people the secret to good health is to get rid of it completely, but dairy can serve an important role for our bodies,” Roizen says. “Dairy contains calcium, vitamin A, protein, potassium, and other nutrients that we need to maintain strong health.”

MYTH: A milk allergy and intolerance are the same thing.

Contrary to belief, having a lactose intolerance and a milk allergy are not the same thing. Knowing this difference can help aid in deciding whether milk should be a part of your diet or not.  

“An allergy and intolerance are drastically different,” says dietitian Kelly Jones, M.S., R.D., CSSD, LDN. “Allergies are hypersensitivity reactions of the immune system, while intolerances are discomfort to a food or food component, due to the body’s inability to effectively digest and absorb the food.”

“Lactose intolerance is much more common but doesn’t always mean cutting out dairy completely,” Roizen says. “Many people who have lactose intolerance can still tolerate small amounts of dairy. It’s also important to note that there are several dairy products that come from cows but have very small amounts of lactose, like colostrum supplements and kefir.”

MYTH: Calcium is the only beneficial component of dairy products.

When we think about the foods that provide a source of calcium, most of us think of milk (probably a result of the “Got Milk” ads we’ve all seen.) But there’s a lot more to milk products than one might realize; there’s also protein, B vitamins and vitamin D in milk/dairy. 

Other dairy products benefit our health as well, Roizen says. “Colostrum supplements are a great example of this,” she says. “Colostrum is a naturally derived potent superfood, which has clinically demonstrated to support the immune and digestive systems. It is packed with immunoglobulins and other beneficial factors to help the body fend off bacteria and invaders.”

To learn more about what experts have to say regarding the benefits of colostrum, see our previous blogs, “Colostrum: “Nature’s Original Superfood” for Babies and Adults” and “An Interesting Look Into the Relationship Between Collagen and Colostrum.”