Eng English
China 中国人

Eng English
China 中国人
  • News
  • World
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Law
  • Education
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Science
  • Digital
  • Automobiles
  • Trở lại Thể thao
  • Health
Thursday, 28/5/2026 | 09:01 GMT+7

When to drink milk for optimal absorption?

Drinking milk mid-morning or late afternoon, one to two hours away from main meals, helps boost energy, improve nutrient absorption, and reduce insomnia.

The timing of milk consumption significantly impacts nutrient absorption and sleep quality. Milk should be consumed as a snack, not as a complete replacement for main meals.

Tran Pham Thuy Hoa, a nutritionist from Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, suggests that the ideal times to drink milk are mid-morning or mid-afternoon. These periods are when the body often needs an energy boost after periods of work or study. Consuming milk one to two hours before or after main meals ensures better absorption and prevents a false sense of fullness that could reduce appetite. Moreover, drinking milk as a snack helps maintain energy levels, limits unhealthy snacking, and supports weight management.

Milk contains tryptophan, which plays a role in producing serotonin and melatonin. These compounds support nerve relaxation and regulate sleep, making milk suitable for evening consumption. The evening is also a time when the body actively regenerates tissues and bones. Therefore, supplementing calcium from milk during this period benefits bone and joint health, particularly for growing children, pregnant women, and the elderly. To avoid bloating, indigestion, or acid reflux, it is advisable to drink milk one to two hours before bedtime.

Avoid drinking milk on an empty stomach, especially if you have a sensitive digestive system or lactose intolerance, as it can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. For balanced nutrition and energy, pair milk with bread, cereals, or fruits.

According to nutritionist Hoa, a common mistake is to consider milk a complete nutritional substitute for natural foods. Milk and dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, cannot replace the essential nutrient groups found in meat, fish, green vegetables, fruits, and starches in your daily diet.

Children aged 6-18 typically require about 500-600 ml of milk daily, depending on their age and activity levels. Excessive milk intake, particularly sugary or high-fat varieties, can cause appetite loss and nutritional imbalance. For adults, the recommended milk intake is generally one to two glasses per day, equivalent to about 200-500 ml, depending on individual health status and physical activity.

Nutritionist Hoa points out that not everyone is suited for regular cow's milk. Individuals with lactose intolerance may experience bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea after consumption due to a deficiency in the lactase enzyme. In such cases, it is best to divide the daily milk intake into smaller portions, consuming it with meals to alleviate discomfort, or opt for lactose-free milk or fermented products like yogurt.

People with stomach conditions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or irritable bowel syndrome should also be mindful of the amount and timing of their milk consumption. Avoid drinking milk simultaneously with medication, as calcium and protein can interfere with the absorption of certain drugs. For those managing weight, prioritizing low-fat or sugar-free milk, consumed in appropriate amounts as part of a balanced diet, is recommended.

Trinh Mai

Readers can submit nutrition questions here for a doctor's answer.
By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/nen-uong-sua-khi-nao-de-hap-thu-tot-5079029.html
Tags: nutrition milk consumption

News in the same category

Why is a japanese encephalitis vaccine booster needed?

Why is a japanese encephalitis vaccine booster needed?

My 9-year-old child received all recommended japanese encephalitis vaccine doses during childhood at the local health station. Recently, a doctor stated a booster shot is still necessary. Why? (Thu Trang, 25, TP HCM)

Secrets to help women slow down the aging process

Secrets to help women slow down the aging process

Women should maintain muscle mass, care for gut health, and keep a positive mindset for internal well-being, supporting the slowdown of the aging process.

Teenager stung by over 50 hornets

Teenager stung by over 50 hornets

A 14-year-old boy, who was with his father in the forest, suffered 55 hornet stings across his body, leading to grade III anaphylactic shock.

How to eat before working out to build muscle and lose fat

How to eat before working out to build muscle and lose fat

Depending on the type of exercise, such as yoga, weightlifting, or running, individuals should choose appropriate foods like bananas, oats, or chicken to support muscle gain and fat burning.

Five factors increasing leukemia risk

Five factors increasing leukemia risk

Gene mutations, a family history of the disease, chemical exposure, and radiation can increase the risk of developing leukemia.

Stroke at age 38 due to neglected high blood pressure

Stroke at age 38 due to neglected high blood pressure

A 38-year-old man suffered a stroke after neglecting his known high blood pressure, but fortunately avoided lasting complications by seeking early medical attention.

Prostate enlargement causes nocturia

Prostate enlargement causes nocturia

Lu, 65, suffered from prostate enlargement, waking 6-7 times each night to urinate, which caused insomnia and fatigue.

Foods that hinder magnesium absorption

Foods that hinder magnesium absorption

Soybeans contain phytic acid that can reduce magnesium absorption, while caffeine may affect the excretion of this mineral.

Why musculoskeletal conditions can worsen in hot weather

Why musculoskeletal conditions can worsen in hot weather

High temperatures, humidity, and erratic changes during summer can exacerbate symptoms of musculoskeletal diseases, causing pain and limiting movement.

Seeing straight lines as curved: what does it signify?

Seeing straight lines as curved: what does it signify?

In many cases, perceiving straight lines as curved can be an early indicator of macular diseases, retinal conditions, or age-related macular degeneration.

Eng English
China 中国人
  • News
  • World
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Law
  • Education
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Science
  • Digital
  • Automobiles
FPT Tower, 10 Pham Van Bach Street, Dich Vong Ward,
Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Email: contacts@vnportal.net
Tel: 028 7300 9999 - Ext 8556
Advertise with us: 090 293 9644
Register
© Copyright 2026 vnnow.net. All rights reserved.
Terms of use Privacy policy Cookies