Dairy products may prevent chronic disease – latest findings

Milk and other dairy products have been vilified to some extent in recent years, but a new review of the evidence published in Advances in Nutrition suggests they can actually help prevent chronic disease.

The review of 14 articles found a positive link between the moderate intake of milk during pregnancy and birth weight, length and bone mineral content during childhood. In addition, a daily intake of milk and dairy products among elderly people may reduce the risk of frailty and sarcopenia.

Although the focus was on the role of dairy products in health and in the prevention of cardiovascular, metabolic syndrome, colon or bladder cancer and type 2 diabetes, it also examined the effects of dairy products on growth, bone mineral density, generation of muscle mass, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

“Milk and dairy products contain multiple nutrients and contribute to meeting the nutritional requirement for protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid,” the researchers say. “Yet the consumption of dairy products is on the decline, falling short of the level recommended in many countries, as the potential benefits of milk and dairy products are starting to be questioned.

“In the analysis of the differences between high vs low consumption of dairy products, no association was identified between dairy product consumption and increased risk of mortality… the consumption of dairy products does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and could have a slightly protective effect.”

Click here to read the original findings. 

Arthritis Digest Magazine was selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 5 Arthritis Blogs on the internet in 2018.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.