# Plant-based milk risks health, study warns

> UK study finds plant-based milk and cheese could cause iodine deficiencies in teens and women.
- Title: Plant-based milk risks health, study warns · LADbible
- Summary: UK study finds plant-based milk and cheese could cause iodine deficiencies in teens and women.
- Keywords: iodine deficiency, plant-based milk, uk teens, women 19-49, iodine, calcium, vitamin b12, fortification, lancet planetary health, alpro, british dietetic association, seaweed
- Source: LADbible — https://ladbible.com/news/uk-news/plant-based-milk-health-risks-study-904403-20261105
- Published: 2026-11-05T20:17:33.108+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iodine deficiency, plant-based milk, uk teens, women 19-49, iodine, calcium, vitamin b12, fortification, lancet planetary health, alpro, british dietetic association, seaweed
## Study warns of health risks
Millions switching to plant-based milk and cheese could be putting their health at risk, study finds.
## Nutrient deficiencies risk
Drinking plant-based dairy products could result in deficiencies in iodine, calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.
## Teenage girls most affected
More than half of UK teenage girls have inadequate iodine intake, which could rise to 62 percent with reduced dairy.
## Women 19-49 at risk
Iodine deficiency in women aged 19-49 could rise from 32 percent to 42 percent with reduced dairy.
## Fortification levels
Only 12 percent of plant milks and 19 percent of cheeses are fortified with iodine, while 61 percent have calcium.
## Mitigation advice
Choose fortified plant milks like Alpro; avoid seaweed supplements due to variable iodine content.

> I’d recommend checking the label and choosing one fortified with iodine, such as Alpro
## Key takeaway

A study warns that switching to plant-based milk and cheese may increase iodine deficiency risks for UK teens and women aged 19-49.