The Role of Plant-Based Milk in Vegan and Vegetarian Diets: Nutritional Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

The increasing demand for plant-based milk results from health nutrition and environmental sustainability aspects in addition to follow-up choices for strict vegetarians and vegans. The analysis reviews both nutritional advantages and disadvantages of plant-based milk regarding its protein values along with vitamin and mineral content in addition to fortification methods versus conventional dairy products. Plant-based milk stands as an appropriate alternative but needs extra supplements consisting of calcium and vitamins D and B12 to reach dairy milk levels of nutrition.Evidence shows that plant based milk generates reduced environmental impact through lower carbon emission because it needs less resources including land and water than traditional dairy milk.