Regular milk consumption is not associated with higher cholesterol levels, according to a new study.
The study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, looked at three large population studies and found that people who regularly drank large amounts of milk had higher BMI levels than non-milk drinkers, but lower levels of both good and bad cholesterol. The researchers found that those who drank large amounts of milk had higher BMI levels than non-milk drinkers, but lower levels of both good and bad cholesterol. Further analysis of other large studies also suggests that people who consumed milk regularly had a 14% lower risk of coronary heart disease.
A team from the University of Reading, the University of South Australia, the South Australian Institute of Health and Medical Research, University College London and the University of Auckland collaborated on the study.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-05/uor-nlb052121.php
Commentary
This study took a genetic approach to milk consumption by investigating variations in the lactase gene associated with the digestion of lactose. It is stated that among the participants with genetic variants associated with higher milk intake, they were found to have higher BMI, body fat, but importantly had lower levels of good and bad cholesterol. Therefore, it is suggested that it may not be necessary to reduce milk intake to prevent cardiovascular disease.
According to the new study, contradicting previous research, the researchers investigated the causal relationship between increased dairy intake and cardiovascular metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, conducted a meta-analysis of data from up to 1.9 million people, and used a genetic approach to avoid confounding.
The results showed that people with genetic variants in lactase had an 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but the study did not suggest strong evidence of an association between increased milk intake and diabetes or an increased likelihood of it being associated.
The study does mention that it may not be necessary to avoid eating or drinking milk as a risk for heart disease or other conditions, and it even mentions a 14% lower risk for those who drank regularly, but it seems important to note that there is no mention of any restrictions.
