Men who drink milk every day might want to pay attention to a new study looking at the link between diet and testosterone levels.The research, publishedin the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition in September 2026, found an interesting connection. Men who consumed more animal protein had lower testosterone levels, while those who ate more plant protein had higher levels.Dairy protein was also linked to lower testosterone. But does this mean drinking milk lowers testosterone? Not so fast.
What did the study find?
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland studied 2,546 men between the ages of 42 and 60. They looked at their eating habits and measured testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels through blood tests.The team used four-day food records to understand how much protein the men consumed and where it came from.The results showed some interesting differences.Men with the highest animal protein intake had testosterone levels that were, on average, 1.2 nmol/L lower than men with the lowest intake.Plant protein showed the opposite pattern. Men who ate more plant protein had testosterone levels around 1.1 nmol/L higher than those who ate the least.Dairy protein intake was also associated with lower testosterone and SHBG levels. Meat protein, on the other hand, was linked to lower SHBG but showed no clear association with total testosterone.These findings caught attention because milk is a regular part of many men’s diets.
Does drinking milk lower testosterone?
Here’s where things need a closer look.The study found a link between dairy protein intake and lower testosterone levels. But researchers didn’t ask men to drink milk and then check whether their testosterone dropped.They studied existing eating habits and blood test results.There’s a difference.The research also looked at men from Finland who were between 42 and 60 years old. So, the findings don’t automatically apply to younger men or men from other countries.Researchers also pointed out that the differences in testosterone levels were relatively small. The study doesn’t prove that dairy products cause lower testosterone.Other parts of a person’s diet, lifestyle and health might also play a role.
Should men stop drinking milk?
Not based on this study alone.Milk provides protein, calcium and other nutrients. These support muscle function and bone health. Removing milk from your diet without considering other food sources might also mean missing out on useful nutrients.If you’re concerned about testosterone, pay attention to your overall health. Sleep, body weight, physical activity and certain medical conditions can all affect hormone levels.Men who experience symptoms such as low sex drive, persistent tiredness or reduced muscle strength should speak with a doctor. A blood test can help check whether testosterone levels are actually low.
What should men take away from this research?
The study raises an interesting question about how different protein sources relate to men’s hormone levels.Dairy protein was associated with lower testosterone, while plant protein showed a positive association. But researchers still need more studies to understand why these differences occur.For now, there’s no strong reason to stop drinking milk out of fear of lower testosterone.The key point is simple. An association doesn’t prove cause and effect. More research is needed before anyone can say that drinking milk lowers testosterone in men.