Current research on plant-based milk alternatives and impact on health

The consumption of Plant-based Milk Alternatives (PBMAs) is experiencing rapid growth due to evolving food preferences, the rise of veganism, environmental concerns, and issues associated with animal-based milk such as lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, and galactosemia. PBMAs are beverages derived from the extraction of cereals, nuts, seeds, and legumes, with examples including soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and various others. Despite the numerous benefits of PBMAs, their nutritional profile differs slightly from animal-based milk, particularly in terms of calcium and protein content. Consequently, fortification of these alternatives using appropriate methods is necessary. The promotion of PBMAs is warranted due to their diverse advantages, including addressing problems related to animal-based milk, reducing economic burden, offering health benefits for conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, minimizing environmental impact, and reaching populations where livestock management is challenging. This review examines various aspects of PBMAs, including their nutritional profile, associated health benefits, bioavailability concerns, safety profile, and environmental considerations.