Those of you who said yes are right- if you are malnourished or an infant who can't breastfeed.

This review was published in NEJM, the most prominent medical journal in the world, by Dr Walter Willet, then head of Harvard’s School of Public Health. He is the world’s most cited nutritionist. The conclusions are dairy milk:

• Does not build strong bones
• Increases the risk of prostate and uterine cancer
• Predisposes to asthma, eczema, and food allergies
• Possibly causes less heart disease and strokes than red meat but more than plant-based baed milk.
• Influences health indirectly through adverse environmental effects

The shocking conclusion? 

".... concerns exist about the risks of regular consumption. The bottom line is to enjoy dairy responsibly and in small quantities, if at all. "

Rather sounds like what they tell us about alcohol, no?

When asked in a later interview how milk had come to enjoy its prominence in our culture of health, he replied, "Big industry."

Dr. Spock was also rooting for plant-based milk 25 years ago in his last book at 90 years old ("Baby and Child Care"). He advocated a vegetarian diet for children and urged parents not to give them milk or other dairy products after the age of 2! Obviously his position was controversial and the above article from 1998  explores this (subscription may be required). But- that was 1998.

        This is a fantastic and thorough summary from Harvard: "How much calcium do you really need?"(2022).

In general, I recommend organic milk as it is a source of complete protein, can easily be obtained as organic, reduces the risks for breast cancer, may promote bone density (studies are conflicting), and environmentally is a star. Apparently, Dr. Greger agrees in this great video.  (Compare the environmental effects of various plant milks ).  Oat is a second choice, but can be hard to find organic - and remember many oats are sprayed with round-up prior to harvest. Also, it has only 1 gm of protein per serving vs 7 in soy.  However for those transitioning from dairy, its creamy version perhaps tastes most like milk, and it's great for baking as soy can impart a fairly strong flavor. Almonds are water hogs at 1 gallon per almond, and they use 10% of California's water. They also are the 8th leading user of round-up so I am concerned about their contamination and environmental harm (see GMO's blog). 

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