Study links plant-based dairy swaps to micronutrient deficiencies, especially in young women

Unbiased summary

A study published in Lancet Planetary Health by researchers from the University of Surrey and Queen's University Belfast modelled the nutritional impact of replacing dairy products with plant-based alternatives in the UK. Analysing 146 plant-based milks, 76 yoghurts, and 67 cheeses, they found that only 12% were fortified with iodine, 61% with calcium, 46% with vitamin B12, and 19% with riboflavin. Replacing 20-35% of dairy intake with plant-based alternatives was projected to increase inadequate iodine intake among adolescent girls from 54% to 65% and among women aged 19-49 from 32% to 42%. The authors highlight iodine's role in thyroid function and brain development, and note that young women and those of childbearing age are most at risk. They call for greater awareness and consideration of fortification.

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Coverage by outlet

The Guardian left

Angle Presents the study as a cautionary tale about the potential health risks of vegan swaps, with a focus on public health and vulnerable groups.

Bias Emphasises the risks of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iodine, and highlights the lack of fortification in plant-based products. Includes quotes from researchers and notes existing low iodine intake among UK teenage girls. Does not downplay the findings but frames them as a reason for caution rather than alarm.

Swapping from dairy to plant-based milk, cheese and yoghurt ‘could lead to micronutrient deficiencies’

The Independent centre-left

Angle Frames the study as a health risk associated with plant-based milks, using a sensational headline to attract clicks.

Bias Uses alarmist language in the headline ('putting your health at risk') but the body of the article is largely factual, detailing the study's findings and statistics. It does not omit key facts but the headline may exaggerate the risk compared to the study's nuanced conclusions.

Swapping to plant-based milks could be putting your health at risk, study finds

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Daily Mail right

Angle Adopts a sensationalist and alarmist tone, focusing on severe consequences like weight gain, memory problems, and chronic fatigue to scare readers about plant-based alternatives.

Bias Emphasises potential worst-case outcomes such as weight gain of up to 5kg and cognitive impairment, which are not the main focus of the study. The headline singles out oat and almond milks as 'bad for your health' without nuance. It includes some factual data but leans heavily into fearmongering, straying from the study's measured conclusions.

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