2023-08-19 17:41:00
## Gene Variant Identified: Milk Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
**London (England)** – People who regularly drink plenty of milk have lower cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease than people who don’t drink milk, according to a new study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL). The study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, utilized a comprehensive meta-analysis that included health data from approximately 1.9 million individuals.
The link between dairy consumption and cardiometabolic diseases has been a topic of debate, with conflicting results from previous studies. In an effort to address this, the researchers led by Vimal Karani employed a genetic approach to assess milk consumption. They examined a variation in a gene associated with the digestion of milk sugar (lactose).
The meta-analysis revealed that individuals who regularly consume high amounts of milk demonstrated lower levels of both HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). Furthermore, their body mass index (BMI) was higher, but their risk of coronary heart disease was 14% lower compared to non-milk drinkers.
Additionally, the study identified a gene variant that is more prevalent in individuals with high milk consumption. This gene variant enables lactose digestion and has been linked to lower levels of good and bad cholesterol. It also significantly reduces the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease.
These findings challenge previous data from the UK Biobank, which suggested that higher milk consumption increases the risk of diabetes. Interestingly, individuals with the identified lactase gene variation were found to have an 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“While there was a small increase in BMI and body fat among milk drinkers, the study clearly shows that milk consumption does not pose a significant risk of cardiovascular disease,” stated Vimal Karani. However, the researchers note that it remains unclear whether the fat content in dairy products contributes to the lower cholesterol levels or if there are other unknown factors at play.
The study provides substantial evidence supporting the notion that milk consumption can be beneficial for cardiovascular health. It challenges previous assumptions and suggests that reducing dairy consumption may not be necessary for the prevention of heart disease.
Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these associations. However, these findings open up new possibilities for discussions and recommendations regarding milk consumption and its impact on heart health.
*Reference: International Journal of Obesity, doi: 10.1038/s41366-021-00841-2*]
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