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Sunday 15 January 2017

Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence

Abstract

Background

There is scepticism about health effects of dairy products in the public, which is reflected in an increasing intake of plant-based drinks, for example, from soy, rice, almond, or oat.

Objective

This review aimed to assess the scientific evidence mainly from meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised controlled trials, on dairy intake and risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and all-cause mortality.

Results

The most recent evidence suggested that intake of milk and dairy products was associated with reduced risk of childhood obesity. In adults, intake of dairy products was shown to improve body composition and facilitate weight loss during energy restriction. In addition, intake of milk and dairy products was associated with a neutral or reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke. Furthermore, the evidence suggested a beneficial effect of milk and dairy intake on bone mineral density but no association with risk of bone fracture. Among cancers, milk and dairy intake was inversely associated with colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer, and not associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, or lung cancer, while the evidence for prostate cancer risk was inconsistent. Finally, consumption of milk and dairy products was not associated with all-cause mortality. Calcium-fortified plant-based drinks have been included as an alternative to dairy products in the nutrition recommendations in several countries. However, nutritionally, cow's milk and plant-based drinks are completely different foods, and an evidence-based conclusion on the health value of the plant-based drinks requires more studies in humans.

Conclusion

The totality of available scientific evidence supports that intake of milk and dairy products contribute to meet nutrient recommendations, and may protect against the most prevalent chronic diseases, whereas very few adverse effects have been reported.
Graham

14 comments:

Lisabella Russo said...

That's very interesting, thank you.

Mac n' Janet said...

I'm a bit lactose intolerant so I don't drink milk, never did much, always said it made me sick, turns out I was right. But I'll suffer the pangs for a bit of cheese or ice cream.

only slightly confused said...

I seem to go through cycles in my life where sometimes I can tolerate a bit of dairy and sometimes I can't. Odd.

The Happy Whisk said...

Amazing how many different studies are done and how any subjec of food can be proven for or against. Just amazing.

This N That said...

Good to know. Thanks for the info

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I do like milk and dairy products like cheese and use them often in my cooking. I always have good bone density and I believe that dairy products help with calcium absorption.

Linda said...

I drink goat milk because cow milk bloats me tremendously.

I've read that full-fat milk results in less prostate cancer but the benefit was not seen with skim milk.

Linda said...

Some good and encouraging information here. Thank you so much for this!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

This is great information, thank you for sharing! Glad to see that studies show that dairy is good for the body, because we sure get our share of it in our home! :)

baili said...

to be honest being a citizen of developing country it make me hard to trust dairy products available in market so mostly we get fresh milk and other milk products from farm on daily bases which proved harmless until now.
your posts are so useful friend .do keep writing such informative stuff .
God bless you

Conniecrafter said...

I am so glad to hear that because I have totally tried the other milks and just don't care for them at all, my hubby did soy milk for awhile and didn't mind that but I just found myself not eating anything that I use to have with milk anymore.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Good to know. Living in a farmland area of dairy cattle, many farmers believe there's no harm in drinking the milk unpasteurized for their own consumption although it's not allowed to be sold. One lady told me they'd be drinking it straight from the cow for generations with no ill effects - wonder if it is indeed healthier?

Sue (this n that) said...

Appreciate the information, thank you :D)

Magic Love Crow said...

Very interesting! Thank you!