Is it good or bad to consume milk? A recent study found that women who consume more than 300 milliliters of milk a day, which is equivalent to more than a glass and a half, run a greater risk of suffering from ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction than those who consume less. .quantity of this dairy product. This finding comes from an analysis of more than 100,000 adults in Sweden and is published in the journal ‘BMC Medicine‘.
The work, led by Karl Michaëlsson of Uppsala University (Sweden), shows that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases as the amount of milk consumed increases, but this effect is only observed in women, not in men.
The study also clarifies that the consumption of fermented dairy products, such as yogurt or kefir, is not associated with this risk.
However, another 2020 study published in ‘The Lancet‘ emphasized that drinking milk or consuming dairy products, at least three servings a day, can be beneficial for cardiovascular health. According to a study of more than 130,000 people in 21 countries, dairy products are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Additionally, the report found that people who consumed three servings of dairy products per day had lower rates of death and cardiovascular disease than those who consumed less than 0.5 servings of dairy products per day. (A standard serving of dairy equated to a glass of milk at 244g, a cup of yogurt at 244g, a slice of cheese at 15g or a teaspoon of butter at 5g).
The work now published by the magazine ‘BMC Medicine‘ is based on over 30 years of monitoring the eating habits of 100,775 adults in Sweden.
The researchers analyzed the participants’ dairy consumption in detail, taking into account risk factors linked to heart disease such as the level of physical activity, smoking and presence of previous diseases. The findings reveal that women who consumed 300 ml or more of milk per day (more than a glass and a half) had a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.
This increase in risk was greater as the amount of milk ingested increased: for example, women who consumed 400 ml of milk a day had a 5% greater risk of cardiovascular problems compared to those who drank only 100 ml. This risk increased to 21% when consumption reached 800 ml per day.
Why only women?
The study was particularly surprising because no increased risk of heart disease was found in men.
According to experts, this phenomenon could be linked to hormonal factors or differences in the way men and women metabolise the nutrients in milk.
The results do not appear to be linked to the amount of saturated fat in milk, as the risk remained even when the consumption of whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk was analyzed separately. Furthermore, the same negative effects were not observed when consuming fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir, which are also an important source of beneficial nutrients, such as calcium and protein.
However, Professor Esther López-García of the Autonomous University of Madrid warns that, although this study provides new data, it is important not to lose sight of global dietary recommendations. In Spain, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition suggests moderate consumption of up to three dairy products per day, especially if you opt for fermented versions for people with lactose intolerance.
For his part, Mattia Schulzeexpert in molecular epidemiology at the German Institute of Human Nutrition Scientific multimedia center strengths of the study, such as the large sample size and long-term follow-up, but also comments on the importance of considering other confounding factors that could influence the results, such as the level of education or the proportion of smokers among participants with a high level of dairy consumption.
although this study suggests that high milk consumption may increase the risk of heart disease in women, it is important to remember that general dietary context, lifestyle habits and genetic factors play a crucial role in cardiovascular health.
Therefore, according to the researchers, moderation in dairy consumption, together with a balanced diet, remains the most prudent recommendation for the majority of the population.
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Professor Karl Michaëlsson
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Professor Michaëlsson. It’s a pleasure to have you here. Your recent study published in BMC Medicine has certainly stirred up a lot of conversation regarding milk consumption and heart health. To start us off, could you summarize the key findings of your research?
Professor Michaëlsson: Thank you for having me. Our study analyzed the dairy consumption patterns of over 100,000 adults in Sweden over a span of 30 years. We found that women who consume more than 300 milliliters of milk daily are at a significantly higher risk of ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction compared to those who consume less. Interestingly, this risk was not observed in men, which raises some intriguing questions.
Editor: That’s a striking finding! You mentioned that the effect is gender-specific. What might explain why only women are at a greater risk?
Professor Michaëlsson: That’s a great question. Our research suggests that hormonal factors and the different ways men and women metabolize nutrients from milk could be influencing these outcomes. Women may react differently to the components in milk, yet more research is needed to truly understand this discrepancy.
Editor: So, if women are at this increased risk from milk, does that mean they need to eliminate it from their diet entirely?
Professor Michaëlsson: Not necessarily. Our study indicates risks associated specifically with higher milk consumption. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir do not show the same risk and are generally regarded as more beneficial due to their probiotic content. Moderation is key; a balanced approach to dairy can still be part of a healthy diet.
Editor: This reminds me of another study from 2020 published in The Lancet that suggested three servings of dairy a day might actually benefit cardiovascular health. How do your findings reconcile with that?
Professor Michaëlsson: It’s an important point to bring up. While our study highlights potential risks with high milk consumption specifically for women, the broader context of dairy—considering products like yogurt and cheese—remains complex. Dairy consumption appears to have health benefits when consumed in moderation and within a balanced diet. It’s crucial for individuals to consider their entire dietary pattern rather than focusing solely on one food group.
Editor: That makes sense. Given these findings, how should individuals and healthcare professionals approach dairy recommendations moving forward?
Professor Michaëlsson: I believe it’s essential to consider individual health profiles when recommending dairy. For women, particularly, monitoring and possibly moderating milk intake could be wise. However, focusing on the benefits of fermented dairy products can help. It’s also important for dietary guidelines to reflect these nuances.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Professor. Before we wrap up, what would you say is the most significant takeaway for our readers?
Professor Michaëlsson: The main takeaway is that moderation matters. The relationship between dairy consumption and health is not straightforward, and while some types of dairy may pose risks, others are beneficial. Always consider your personal health circumstances in consultation with healthcare providers, and aim for a balanced dietary approach.
Editor: Thank you so much, Professor Michaëlsson, for sharing your valuable insights with us today. It’s clear that dairy consumption is a nuanced topic that’ll continue to generate interest and debate.
Professor Michaëlsson: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.