What type of milk is best to drink during early pregnancy?
Aug 19, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Generally speaking, milk comes in many varieties. Some people believe that drinking plain (unflavored) milk is nutritious because it is rich in calcium—approximately 120 mg of calcium per 100 mL—and the human body can absorb over 40% of the calcium present in milk, which helps meet the increased calcium requirements of both pregnant women and their developing fetuses. Others consider yogurt to be nutritious due to its high content of lactic acid bacteria.
During early pregnancy, attention should be paid to balanced nutrition in the diet. Pregnant women should consume adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and trace elements daily—these nutrients benefit maternal health and help support a healthy pregnancy. Drinking fresh milk regularly is also recommended, as it contains a richer array of essential nutrients. So, what type of milk is best for consumption during early pregnancy? Below, we address this question.
Which Milk Is Best During Early Pregnancy?
Milk comes in many varieties. Some believe that pasteurized whole milk (commonly referred to as “pure milk”) is highly nutritious due to its rich calcium content—approximately 120 mg of calcium per 100 mL—and because the human body absorbs over 40% of the calcium found in milk, supporting both maternal and fetal bone health. Others prefer yogurt, which contains abundant probiotic lactic acid bacteria that promote gastrointestinal motility and enhance appetite. Moreover, yogurt breaks down lactose and proteins in milk, making them easier to digest and absorb. Thus, yogurt is an excellent option for pregnant women with lactose intolerance. In addition, it is advisable for pregnant women to increase intake of protein-rich foods while maintaining overall nutritional balance.
Knowledge Extension: Benefits and Effects of Drinking Pasteurized Whole Milk at Night
1. Promotes Sleep
Pasteurized whole milk contains not only protein and fat but also cysteine—a compound that acts directly on the central nervous system, helping regulate mood and reduce irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Additionally, drinking milk before bed helps relax the nervous system, exerting a calming and sedative effect.
2. Supports Calcium Intake
As a high-calcium beverage, pasteurized whole milk provides calcium in a highly bioavailable form. Consuming it before bedtime aids absorption and supports the development of bones and teeth. For adolescents, it helps prevent rickets and promotes skeletal growth; for middle-aged and older adults, it contributes to preventing osteoporosis.
3. Enhances Immunity
Pasteurized whole milk is rich in calcium and other nutrients, whose absorption is optimized when consumed before sleep. Furthermore, it contains various antimicrobial substances—including certain proteins—that, upon enzymatic hydrolysis, generate immunomodulatory peptides with proven biological activity. These peptides can activate the immune system and enhance the functional activity of immune cells.
The above outlines recommendations regarding optimal milk choices during early pregnancy. We hope this information is helpful to you.
