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Milk and Mucus
Does Milk Cause Mucus?
No. Studies have shown that drinking milk and eating milk products does not cause mucus production. However, higher-fat milks and soy beverages may create the illusion that there is more mucus in the mouth, due to their full-bodied texture. Drinking 1% or skim milk may reduce this perception.
Ideas for Action:
- Drink 1% or skim milk.
- Make sure you get enough fluid every day. Adults need about 9-13 glasses of fluid every day. Water, milk, yogurt, juice and soup are a few of the choices that count as fluid in the diet.
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Did You Know?
- Studies have shown that drinking milk does not stimulate the production of respiratory mucus or obstruct bronchial airflow. In one study, 60 volunteers were exposed to a respiratory virus. They had to record their daily respiratory symptoms for 10 days. Nasal secretion weights and milk and dairy product intake were also recorded. No statistically significant association was found between milk intake and symptoms of mucus production or cough 1. Other studies have demonstrated similar results 2, 3, 4.
- People who complain about milk and mucus may not consume enough fluids during the course of the day. This is especially true of older people. Water, fruit juice, milk, yogurt and soup are a few choices that count as fluid in the diet.
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Adequate Daily Fluid Intake*
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Children up to age 8 |
4-5 cups |
Children aged 9-13 |
7-8 cups |
Teens aged 14-18 |
8-11 cups |
Adults |
9-13 cups |
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