All milk alternatives not created equal

If you’re lactose intolerant, or you’re on a dairy-free diet or just don’t like cow’s milk, chances are you’re looking for the best nondairy alternatives. Researchers at Mcgill University have weighed the pros and cons of the four most popular varieties: soy, coconut, almond and rice.

Soy milk came out on top because it contains more proteins and isoflavones (loaded with cancer-fighting properties). But, say the researchers: “Women who are pregnant, nursing or attempting to become pregnant should use soy foods with caution and be aware that soy formula may not be the best option for their babies. … Moderation is likely key and the incorporation of real foods, as opposed to supplements or processed foods to which soy protein is added, is probably essential for maximizing health benefits.”

Rice milk got the worst rating, since it has little nutritional value (they note that without proper care, using rice milk can result in malnutrition, especially in infants). As for coconut milk? It offers no protein, say the researchers, and lots of saturated fats. And almond milk? It’s a pretty good choice since it delivers healthy monounsaturated fats that help lower lousy LDL cholesterol.

The new vaccination schedule

Effective February 2018, therearechangestothe administration of the herpes zoster (shingles) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines for adults.

The schedule has been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Nurse-midwives.

Shingles vaccine: If you are 50-plus, get two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) two to six months apart, even if you’ve had shingles or got the live zoster vaccine (Zostavax). But you should wait at least two months after receiving Zostavax to get Shingrix.

And if you are 60-plus, you can get either vaccine, but Shingrix is preferred.

MMR: If you were born in 1957 or earlier, you should get one dose of the vaccine if you have had fewer than two doses of mumps-containing vaccine and are at increased risk during a mumps outbreak. If you get two doses of the MMR vaccine, you’re about nine times less likely to get mumps than unvaccinated people who have the same exposure to mumps virus.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.