Two Glasses Of Milk A Day Can Help Address Nutrient Deficiencies Among Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Health problems related to nutrient deficiencies among Malaysians could be addressed by a simple habit — drinking just two glasses of milk a day, say two nutrient experts.

According to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) nutrition expert Prof Dr Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed in a statement recently,  findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024 show that only three per cent of adolescents and one per cent of adults in Malaysia consume milk daily, a trend linked to long-term consequences such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia, frailty, and chronic fatigue.

He said the survey also found that 98 per cent of adolescents and 96 per cent of adults in Malaysia are failing to meet their daily calcium needs, with deficiencies in phosphorus, vitamin D and vitamin B2 also reported as widespread.

Dr Hamid Jan said this chronic underconsumption of dairy is contributing to widespread calcium, vitamin D and nutrient deficiencies, which could lead to long-term consequences such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia, frailty, and chronic fatigue.

He said the nutrients are not optional as they are critical for bone development, energy metabolism and muscle health, warning that the deficiency gap could have major consequences on the national health system as Malaysia moves toward becoming an ageing nation.

He stressed that drinking two glasses of milk a day is a small but consistent step that can go a long way in preventing avoidable illness and suffering in the future.

“It’s not about trendy diets or complicated nutrition plans, it’s about a simple habit, drinking a glass of milk with breakfast and another with dinner,” he said.

In the same statement, Professor Dr Poh Bee Koon, an expert in childhood and adolescent nutrition at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), also stated that there is a persistent myth that milk is only meant for young children, when in fact it plays a vital role at every stage of life, from growing kids to active adults and ageing seniors.

She said the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that young children be given milk at least twice a day, with a total intake ranging from 200 to 500 millilitres daily, or about two glasses, depending on their overall diet.

“Just two glasses of milk a day can make a meaningful difference, “she said, adding that it helps supply protein, calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients needed to support bone strength, muscle function and overall well-being.

-- BERNAMA