Can I drink milk on an empty stomach?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my mornings are usually very hectic, and I often don't have time for breakfast, so I thought drinking a glass of milk might help supplement my nutrition. However, I've heard that drinking milk on an empty stomach may not be ideal, but I'm not quite sure. I'd like to ask you, is it okay to drink milk on an empty stomach?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yu Yongchao
In general, most people with normal digestive function can drink a moderate amount of milk on an empty stomach. However, individuals with lactose intolerance may not tolerate milk well when fasting.
The main nutritional components in milk include protein, fat, and lactose. On an empty stomach, these nutrients still can be absorbed and utilized by the body, although compared to consuming other foods before drinking milk, the protein may be used more for energy and thus its utilization efficiency may be slightly lower.
For some individuals with lactose intolerance, drinking milk on an empty stomach may not be suitable. Because of a lack of lactase—the enzyme needed to break down lactose—consuming a large quantity of milk on an empty stomach can result in undigested lactose entering the intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria, producing gas and potentially causing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
If digestive function is normal and time is limited in the morning, occasionally drinking a glass of milk on an empty stomach is generally acceptable. However, for balanced nutrition and better health, it is recommended to consume milk along with some staple food, such as bread or biscuits, which can improve the utilization of nutrients in milk and ensure a more balanced intake. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs after drinking milk, further evaluation should be considered to determine whether lactose intolerance exists.
