Yes, you can drink milk while also consuming folic acid, but milk is not a significant source of folic acid. Here's why:
While there's no contraindication to drinking milk when you need to consume folic acid, relying on milk to fulfill your daily folic acid requirements isn't a viable strategy. Milk contains very little folic acid. Cow's milk, for example, only contains about 5 to 7 μg of folic acid (Renner, 1983; Scott, 1989).
Folic Acid Needs
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that women of childbearing age consume 400 μg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects (CDC, 1993). It would be impossible to obtain that amount through drinking milk alone.
Better Sources of Folic Acid
If you need to increase your folic acid intake, consider these sources:
-
Folic acid supplements: These are a reliable and concentrated source.
-
Fortified foods: Many breakfast cereals, breads, and pastas are fortified with folic acid.
-
Naturally folate-rich foods: These include:
- Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)
- Beans and legumes (lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
- Avocados
- Broccoli
Summary
| Food Source | Folic Acid Content (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Cow's Milk | 5-7 μg |
| Recommended Daily Intake (Women of childbearing age) | 400 μg |
So, enjoy your milk, but don't count on it as a primary source of folic acid!
