Milk

Overview

Milk provides complete high-quality protein (DIAAS 118), nicotinamide riboside (NAD+ precursor), and calcium, supporting mitochondrial function and bone health. Milk (skim) has a DIAAS score of 118, indicating balanced EAA profile and supports myelination. Nicotinamide Riboside: Efficient NAD⁺ precursor with neuroprotective potential - Dairy milk, whey protein, yeast-containing foods (e.g., sourdough bread). Fortified plant milks and dairy milk can help meet calcium (and sometimes iodine, depending on fortification and local practices) targets.

Recipes

1 recipe containing this food

Turmeric Milk

A warming drink combining turmeric (curcumin) with milk/fat for enhanced curcumin absorption

Substances

19 substances in this food

Calcium

Bone health; neurotransmission; interacts with vitamin D and K2

Histidine

Essential AA; precursor to histamine; roles in enzyme active sites

Isoleucine

Essential BCAA; energy metabolism; complements leucine/valine

Leucine

Essential BCAA; mTOR signaling; protein synthesis; cognitive load support

Lysine

Essential AA; limiting in many cereals; complements legumes

Magnesium

Enzymatic cofactor (>300 reactions); neurotransmitters; mitochondria; redox balance

Methionine

Essential AA; precursor to SAMe via methylation cycle

Phenylalanine

Essential AA; precursor to tyrosine → catecholamines

Potassium

Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation

Threonine

Essential AA; structural proteins; mucin production

Tryptophan

Serotonin/melatonin precursor; NAD+ pathway substrate; LAT1 transport dynamics

Tyrosine

Dopamine and norepinephrine precursor; LAT1 competition with LNAAs

Valine

Essential BCAA; supports protein balance and neurotransmitter transport competition

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Mitochondrial glucose metabolism; ATP synthesis; rapid turnover in CNS

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Methylation; myelin; mitochondrial odd-chain FA metabolism

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

FMN/FAD coenzymes; redox balance; supports methylation via MTHFR

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

CoA synthesis; fatty-acid oxidation; TCA cycle flux

Vitamin D

Neurotrophic and immune modulation; calcium homeostasis

Zinc

Cofactor in neurotransmission and antioxidant enzymes; dopamine modulation

Preparation Notes

• Choose quality sources when possible
• Part of diverse protein strategy
• Supports NAD+ availability through nicotinamide riboside
• Consider tolerance and preferences
• Fortified plant milks and dairy milk can help meet calcium targets

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Vitamin D	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Supports gut barrier integrity; nutrient deficiencies including vitamin D disrupt tight junctions, increasing permeability
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Zinc	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports immune signaling; gut barrier integrity disrupted by nutrient deficiencies including zinc
Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS)	Magnesium	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Helps manage stress responses; combined with vitamin D reduced behavioral problems; synergy with zinc and omega-3s reported
Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS)	Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Supports stress response through energy metabolism and ATP production
Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS)	Vitamin D	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Modulates immune responses to reduce inflammation in the brain; supports stress response through neurotrophic and immune effects
Methylation & One-Carbon Metabolism	Methionine	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease	Essential amino acid that forms S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the universal methyl donor for neurotransmitter synthesis and membrane phospholipid methylation
Methylation & One-Carbon Metabolism	Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease	Essential cofactor in remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, which is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe); works with B6, B2, and folate; contributes meaningfully to homocysteine reduction, especially in combination with omega-3 fatty acids
Methylation & One-Carbon Metabolism	Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease	FAD acts as a critical cofactor for MTHFR, linking riboflavin to homocysteine recycling and methylation capacity
Methylation & One-Carbon Metabolism	Zinc	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease	Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for methylation, such as folate, vitamin B12, and zinc, are correlated to ADHD symptoms; supplementing these micronutrients has shown potential in supporting methylation and reducing symptom severity
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Magnesium	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports enzymes involved in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle (processes that generate ATP from glucose); binds to ATP and all triphosphates in cells to activate them
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Essential for mitochondrial glucose metabolism in the brain leading to ATP production; supports PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) and α-KGDH (alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) function
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Crucial role in conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA, a key step in mitochondrial energy production; deficiency leads to buildup of methylmalonic acid and odd-chain fatty acids, which are neurotoxic
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Forms FMN/FAD coenzymes, supporting oxidative metabolism and redox balance; facilitates metabolism of B12, B6, and niacin; supports antioxidant enzymes
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Forms CoA (coenzyme A), required for β-oxidation and TCA cycle acetyl-CoA flux; deficiency impairs ATP production impacting brain energy
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Calcium	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Essential for nerve impulse transmission and neurotransmission
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Magnesium	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Broad cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis and receptor modulation (e.g., NMDA, GABA); functions as an NMDA receptor antagonist and GABA receptor modulator; assists enzymes involved in synthesis of dopamine and serotonin
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Phenylalanine	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Essential amino acid that converts to tyrosine and supports catecholamine synthesis (dopamine, norepinephrine); participates in LAT1 competition at the blood-brain barrier
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Potassium	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Critical for membrane potential, nerve signaling, and neuronal excitability; adequate intake balances sodium effects
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Tryptophan	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Precursor for serotonin and melatonin; brain entry competes at LAT1 with other large neutral amino acids (LNAAs); carbohydrate-rich, low-protein meals raise the plasma tryptophan:LNAA ratio because insulin pushes competing LNAAs out to muscles; can feed NAD+ synthesis via the kynurenine pathway
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Tyrosine	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Catecholamine precursor (dopamine, norepinephrine); brain transport via LAT1 competes with other LNAAs; iron is an essential cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in conversion of tyrosine to dopamine; cofactors include iron, B6, folate, omega-3s, and BH₄ (tetrahydrobiopterin) to support rate-limiting steps in catecholamine synthesis
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports neurotransmitter production through methylation; essential for myelin synthesis
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Zinc	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Important for DNA synthesis, cell division, and neurotransmitter regulation, particularly in modulating dopamine—a key neurotransmitter implicated in ADHD; acts as an allosteric modulator of the GABA receptor; supports glutamate regulation

References

• Nicotinamide Riboside: Efficient NAD⁺ precursor with neuroprotective potential - Dairy milk, whey protein, yeast-containing foods (e.g., sourdough bread)
• Milk (skim): DIAAS 118, None (limiting amino acids) - Balanced EAA profile, supports myelination
• Fortified plant milks and dairy milk can help meet calcium (and sometimes iodine, depending on fortification and local practices) targets
• Serotonin: Mood regulation, emotional control, impulse moderation; food sources include turkey, eggs, dairy, soy, seeds, oats, bananas (milk provides tryptophan)
• Dopamine: Attention, motivation, executive function; food sources include lean poultry, beef, fish, dairy, soy, pumpkin seeds (milk provides tyrosine)