When you are over 50, drinking milk for the elderly should be a part of our diet to prevent calcium deficiency. When we don't have enough calcium, our body will take it from our bones which will lead to osteoporosis and weaker muscles. By drinking milk, we ensure that we get sufficient calcium to supplement our nutrition.
Whether you have health conditions such as lactose intolerance, diabetes, or high blood pressure, there is milk suitable for you! This article will help you find the right kind of milk with a detailed buying guide. We've also prepared a list of the 10 best milk brands for elderly people in the Philippines to help narrow down your options.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Since milk plays a major part in elderly people’s diets, it is important to look at what type of milk suits them best and select the one that will be beneficial for their health. They may also have certain health conditions that require careful attention. Read along to understand what each type has to offer.
The good news for lactose intolerant elderly people is that there are plenty of non-dairy alternatives out there. These are milk alternatives made from nuts and beans such as soy, almond, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, and peanuts. There are even formulations made from hemp, oats, and rice, and they taste just as good as dairy milk.
Each non-dairy milk product has a distinct flavor, and some are even creamier than some dairy milk. On top of that, they have a delectable nutty or beany taste. You also get the bonus benefits of antioxidants and Omega-3, so you can add it to your favorite dish or beverages without guilt. Some flavor connoisseurs say that coffee even tastes better with them!
When buying milk for the elderly, you need to take note of how much fat it contains. To make it easy, just look for plant-based, skimmed, non-fat, or low-fat milk. Plant-based milk is always the best option, as it contains zero fat and has enzymes that help break down the production of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), known as the "bad cholesterol," in your body.
However, you can still go for dairy milk options, as long as they are non- or low-fat or skim. Low-fat milk contains less than 1.5% fat per cup, which is relatively low compared to the 10%-20% fat content in full cream milk. Better yet, you can go for non-fat or skim milk, as they contain zero fat.
Check for added sugars and the amount of calories per serving on the label if you are diabetic. There are dairy and non-dairy options that don't contain sugar and high calories that trigger the production of insulin. To be on the safe side, always look for "sugar-free" indicated on the label. If your diabetes is Type 2, milk with inositol would be a better option.
If you don’t have any health concerns, full cream milk is satisfying because it is creamier and has a fuller flavor. Full cream milk, otherwise known as whole milk, comes from dairy animals and is unadulterated or unprocessed. Because of this, it has a palatable fatty flavor unmatched by any other milk alternative, and they have higher nutrients, too.
UHT means Ultra High Temperature, a process done on milk to kill bacteria and heat-resistant enzymes. This helps the milk to have a longer shelf life, from 6 to 9 months if unopened. Compared to non-UHT milk that can only be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days once opened, this type can last 7-10 days. UHT also contains fewer allergens than regular milk.
Milk is available in two formulas that you can choose from depending on your preference - liquid and powdered milk. Read on to know what to expect with each type.
In terms of convenience, liquid milk is ready to drink and use, which makes it a popular choice among seniors. You can just pour it in a cup or over your favorite dishes to get the flavor and nutrient benefits of milk. It is also available in handy single-serve packaging, so you don't have to worry about the rest of the unconsumed milk.
It may not be that convenient, but most milk for elderly people under a targeted nutritional diet is in powdered form. The good thing about it is that it is cheaper, plus it has a longer shelf life since it is free of moisture and oxidation that can lead to spoilage. Powdered milk can last up to a year if left unopened and 2 to 3 months in a fridge if opened.
Pasteurization kills the harmful bacteria and allergens that are found in raw dairy milk. To avoid contracting diseases such as diphtheria, diarrhea, brucellosis, and tuberculosis, make sure that the milk you buy is pasteurized. Look for “pasteurized” written anywhere on the label or find it in the list of ingredients.
For elderly people who have or have had cancer, it's best to go for milk with EPA or Eicosapentaenoic Acid to get the high protein content they need after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. According to research, EPA reduces the effects of chemotherapy, alleviates depression, and contains the extra protein needed to heal tissues and help fight infection.
It is important to choose non-GMO milk products as well since GMOs can cause allergic reactions, immune suppression, and medicine resistance. The studies on this are conflicting; although there are reports debunking this idea, there are also reports out there that showed carcinogens found in GMO products. To be on the safe side, choose non-GMO.
Sodium phosphate is an FDA-approved preservative that is generally not harmful, except for people with kidney problems. Another additive to avoid if you have cholesterol and high blood pressure is Polysorbate 80, as it increases your risk of blood clotting, stroke, and heart failure.
If you are at risk of diabetes, try to avoid refined and added sugar at all costs. Another additive to watch out for is carrageenan, which is used to give milk a thicker consistency. Unfortunately, it may also cause problems like digestive disorders, heart diseases, inflammation, and neurological disorders.
Collagen has long been popular for its skin benefits, but there's more to it than that. Recent research shows that collagen slows down the effects of aging by repairing the tissues and cartilages. It is more efficient when it is ingested; therefore, taking it in the form of a beverage such as Anlene Low-fat Milk is beneficial for the elderly.
Aside from collagen, Anlene has three times more vitamins and almost complete nutrients compared to regular milk, as it is specially formulated for the elderly. The combination of key nutrients promotes stronger bones, joints, and muscles. Plus, it is low in fat, so it's a good choice for those who are worried about cholesterol.
Oat milk is naturally high in B12 and B2, which work with calcium to maintain healthy bones, as well as blood, nerve, and cell functions. This one from Pureharvest is certified to be gluten-free, additive-free, and 100% organic. You're sure to get only the purest milk goodness from oats!
It is also high in fiber, which is good news for those who are at risk for cholesterol and diabetes. The fiber content acts as a sponge that traps fats so that they don't get absorbed by the blood vessels. They also control insulin spikes as they slow down the digestion of sugar. Some flavor experts also say that oat milk is one of the best kinds of milk to put in coffee.
From ₱1,375
Good news for those who are lactose intolerant - you can still drink dairy with this goat milk from Meyenberg! Goat milk is by nature low-lactose and gluten-free, and it's the perfect milk for elderly individuals who have weak or sensitive stomachs. In fact, goat milk is a better dairy option than cow milk for a number of reasons.
For one, it has 30g more calcium than cow's milk. It also has higher amounts of vitamin A, potassium, niacin, and riboflavin. It is easier to digest and enhances the body's ability to absorb nutrients from other foods. And because it's gluten-free and low in casein protein, it is less inflammatory and is safe for people with celiac disorders.
Colostrum is the first milk mammals produce during pregnancy, and it is much more nutritious compared to regular milk. It contains a higher amount of protein that's equivalent to 15% of our daily nutritional value, a much higher figure than that of regular milk, which has only 3%. This is what makes Alpha Lipid Lifeline a special brand of milk.
As we age, our stomach weakens, and our immunity starts to slow down. Alpha Lipid Lifeline is specially designed for elderly individuals who have this problem. It is fortified with Lactobacillus probiotics to promote gut health and has immunoglobulins such as IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE to help strengthen the immune system.
Elderly people who have diabetes may feel hungry more often and may crave for some snacks several times throughout the day. To minimize the cravings, don't just pick sugar-free cookies; reach for a glass of milk with low glycemic index such as Glucerna. It is especially made for people with diabetes to curb their carb cravings, as well as supplement their nutritional needs.
Glucerna contains 4x more inositol and is high in trivalent Chromium to help maintain normal blood glucose levels. It also contains more than 15 essential nutrients, including Omega-3 and Omega-6. These two fatty acids promote healthy bones and muscles, regulate metabolism and cholesterol, and maintain healthy brain function.
If you struggle with acid reflux or have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), try this almond milk from Blue Diamond as an alternative for dairy or acidic milk. Almond milk is alkaline and won't hurt your stomach, as it helps balance acidity in your stomach when you eat acidic foods. It is naturally lactose-free, so it's good for those who have lactose intolerance, too.
Almond milk is also high in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin, blood and brain cells. It is a good source of calcium that is necessary for bone health. Another plus is that unlike other almond milk brands, it contains no carrageenan, a thickening agent that may cause digestive issues or cancer.
Muscle loss is common in aging individuals. To help restore our muscles, we need supplements that contain HMB or hydroxymethyl butyrate. This chemical is vital for muscle building and preventing muscle loss. It can be hard to obtain, but thankfully, Ensure Gold with Protein + HMB is just one scoop away.
HMB is naturally produced by our bodies when we eat protein-rich foods like soy, yogurt, beef, and chicken. Unfortunately, since elderly people tend to eat less, this affects their natural production of HMB. Thus, a good supplement like this milk can help address that gap. Aside from that, it is also high in vitamins and minerals and is low in cholesterol and lactose.
There are many brands of soy milk out there, but since soy is one of the most genetically modified plants, it's best to choose a brand that's certified organic, like Kirkland Organic Soy. It's made from USDA organic soybeans that have been grown and processed in the US. It's also free of gluten, cholesterol, and lactose.
It is rich in antioxidants, Omega-3, calcium, and proteins, all of which are necessary for building muscle mass and maintaining bone health. It is also high in isoflavones, a chemical that alleviates symptoms of menopause in women. The Omega-3 in soy milk is also known to reduce triglycerides, so it is good for those who are watching their sugar and cholesterol levels.
Older folks have a weaker digestive system and may not be able to digest food well, even if it's a liquid like milk. To make sure they get the most from their diet and nutritional supplements, they need to have a healthy stomach. Nestle Boost Optimum milk is a good source of nutrition for seniors, as it contains prebiotics and probiotics to help support their digestive system.
Aside from that, it has whey proteins, which are the easiest type of protein to digest. It is good for those who have a sensitive and weak stomach. Whey proteins also promote muscle strength and support the immune system. This milk contains both plant and dairy ingredients and is fortified with a high amount of calcium as well, along with other nutrients that can aid with aging.
People with kidney issues often struggle with their diet because they have many restrictions and sensitivities to certain foods. To help make sure they get adequate nutrition, you can give them milk that's specifically formulated for their condition. Nephrisol-D is one of the best options for this, as it's tailored for those who have renal insufficiencies.
It contains a high amount of High Biological Value proteins or HBV to make up for lacking nutrients. The HBV proteins are broken down to be easily absorbed by the body, preventing the kidney from getting overworked. Additionally, it contains 9 amino acids and a set of vitamins and minerals that promote good health.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Yes, milk is a complete food that is high in proteins and calcium that elderly people need to maintain healthy bones and overall health. It has vitamins and minerals that can sustain the body's nutritional needs. It is easy to prepare, and it comes in targeted diet formula that addresses specific health issues. Most of all, milk is a healthy alternative to replace meals that older people may find difficulty chewing and swallowing because it is fluid.
Drinking milk replenishes the lacking nutrients in elderly people. Aside from calcium, milk contains numerous vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy, such as protein, phosphorus, Vitamin D, A, B2, B12, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine. It also contains protein amino acids that encourage the production of glutathione, which is vital for detoxifying the liver.
Drinking 2 cups of milk a day will be sufficient for elderly individuals who still can eat solid meals. However, if you are not eating enough, 3 cups of milk a day will be necessary. People who are over 50 need an average of 1000mg of calcium a day. While a cup of milk contains 350mg, 2 cups of milk will make up more than half of the daily calcium requirement.
Sure, we eat everyday, but are you sure you are getting the right amount of nutrients that your body needs? Don't just rely on your meals and snacks in between - support your diet with supplements for better health. Here are some links to more of our recommended supplements that you might find helpful!
Author: J. Montayre
Editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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