Milk is a controversial subject among many bodybuilders due to the health and digestion concerns.

Milk controversy:

Many believe that since milk is for babies and cow milk is for calves, than we as adult humans shouldn’t be drinking it. To me, that seems like silly reasoning considering that if it’s good for babies, in their most sensitive time in life, why not for adults?

Another argument is health concerns of IGF-1 and anti-biotics that get leaked into the milk as a result. There is one simple solution to that, you can get organic milk and you won’t have a concern anymore. Organic cows are also fed grass instead of cattle feed full of toxins.

Milk & Lactose

Many bodybuilders do not drink milk for their main source of protein. One reason being, the lactose causes bad side effects for many who are lactose intolerant. Most people have problems digesting lactose to some degree. Also the large amounts of carbs is not ideal for bodybuilders. Lactose is actually a low glycemic carb and isn’t as digested as easily as other carbs. Even if you are lactose intolerant, they have milk available with no lactose, or you can just take the lactaid pill.

So should bodybuilders drink milk?

Protein powder is the better choice because you get more protein for the same amount of carbs. You also don’t have to worry about lactose side effects as much. If you like milk than go ahead though. Just make sure you get organic low fat milk.

Milk also contains many other beneficial ingredients such as calcium, vitamin D, and the important ALA which isn’t be found in protein powder.