There is no question that drinking milk in pregnancy improves the growth of the developing fetus. But what about future growth? Does it affect the height of adults too?

A new study published online Sept. 4, 2013 in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that the amount of milk a pregnant woman drinks is not only growth-promoting for weight and length at birth but may have an effect into early adult age.

This is a prospective study where researchers followed 809 Danish pregnant women and checked the growth of the infants after 20 years (n=685). 

Maternal milk consumption of >=150 ml/day vs < 150 ml/day was associated with higher birth weights, birth length, and 20 years later more height and more insulin-like growth factor I.

The authors suggest that drinking more milk during pregnancy increases the future height of adults.