June is National Dairy Month, according to the National Dairy Council. What many folks may not know, is that the month of June is also National Dairy Alternative Month.

A growing number of Americans (not just the lactose intolerant) are adopting a dairy-free lifestyle, and many are touting the health benefits of this lifestyle change.

For some, it may be a matter of necessity. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, there are some 30-50 million Americans who are lactose intolerant, and a number of others who are allergic to dairy.

For others, it is a matter of choice.

Some choose dairy free because of a general health concern over growth hormones, antibiotics and other drugs given to dairy cows to increase milk production. Some would like to cut the saturated fat found in many dairy products out of their diet, and others may simply choose to refrain from consuming animal products altogether.

Americans have grown up in a dairy culture and are taught, since childhood, that dairy is vital for good heath. Milk is the de facto beverage in a school lunch, and nutrition classes emphasize the necessity of the dairy group. Even into adulthood, there is no shortage of TV and magazine advertisements that feature constant reminders for the public to drink its milk.

What many people may not realize, though, is that adult milk drinkers are actually a minority in the world.

According to Robert M. Kradjian, M.D. and Breast Surgery chief, Division of General Surgery at Seton Medical Centre in Daly City, Calif.: “You may be surprised to learn that most of the human beings that live on planet Earth today do not drink or use cow's milk. Further, most of them can't drink milk because it makes them ill.”

Kradjian continued to explain that out of all the animals on Earth, only humans (and then only a minority of humans, mostly Caucasians), continue to consume milk beyond babyhood.

Carol McKiel, Cherokee County Health Coalition Coordinator, pointed out some of the potential benefits of a dairy free diet.

“Dairy is going to be higher in saturated fat [than many alternatives], especially in butter, whole milk and cheese,” said McKiel. “Higher levels of saturated fat are a leading cause of heart disease.”

For many consumers, the choice to avoid dairy brings with it a concern over getting enough calcium in their diet.

McKiel offered some reassurance for the non-dairy crowd.

“There are calcium supplements you can take, so that you can avoid dairy,” McKiel said. “Another good source of calcium are green, leafy vegetables such as spinach.”

Likewise, many dairy alternative products that are sold in supermarkets today are also enriched with the same vitamins and minerals found in regular milk.

In a side-by-side nutritional label comparison between two products purchased locally - USDA organic, 2-percent milk versus enriched rice milk – each product was found to be nearly identical in vitamin and mineral content.

Both products were equal in nearly all comparisons, both contained 120 calories and both contained equal amounts of calcium and several other minerals. The biggest difference observed was that the cow’s milk used in the comparison contained 5 grams of fat – 3 grams saturated – and the rice milk contained zero. The cow’s milk did, however, contain eight grams of protein, in contrast to the rice milk’s one gram of protein (it should be noted that this is a comparison between rice and cow’s milk only – other enriched dairy alternatives may differ in fat and protein content).

To meet the emerging demand for dairy alternatives, a number of these products are becoming readily available to the consumer – not just in health food stores, but in an increasing number of large chains and local grocery stores as well. These products can include soy, nut and rice milks, cheese substitutes, even candies, chocolate and baked goods.

“A lot of our customers are allergic to dairy products, or they have made a conscious choice to avoid dairy,” said Daniel Franke, Oasis Health Foods. “They tend to buy a lot of the soy and rice milks. We definitely have a solid base [of customers] who regularly buy dairy alternatives.”

McKiel encouraged consumers to ask questions, and do a little research when making any dietary changes.

“There is a lot of information out there that is available to the public,” said McKiel.

She encouraged consumers who may need a little help to call the Cherokee County Health Department, (918) 456-8828, to get more information on where to turn for dietary advice.

With the large number of dairy alternatives on the market today, making the transition to non-dairy might seem a little overwhelming to consumers. Then again, with so many options to choose from, living dairy-free could be simpler than one might think.

Contact Garron Marsh at gmarsh@tahlequahdailypress.com.