A new study challenges the vision on the effects of dairy products consumption and cardiovascular disease. The intake of three servings per day of non-skim dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese and milk, is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality, according to a global observational study conducted with more than 130,000 people in 21 countries.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality in the world. Until now, the general opinion was that the intake of whole milk was unadvisable for people suffering from these diseases, but a research led by the McMaster University in Canada, puts this into question.

The results of the study, published in the journal The Lancet, indicate that people who consume three doses of non-skimmed milk a day have lower rates of mortality and cardiovascular disease, compared with those who drink less than half a portion daily.

The findings are consistent with previous observational meta-analyzes and randomized trials, but contrast with current dietary guidelines, which recommend consuming two to four servings of low-fat dairy products per day and minimizing the consumption of milk, yogurt or whole cheeses to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Promote consumption

According to the researcher Mahshid Dehghan, leader of the work, “the results show that whole milk products are beneficial for cardiovascular health“. Therefore, “the consumption of these products should not be discouraged and should even be encouraged in low and middle income countries, where their intake is much lower than in North America or Europe.”

The prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological Study (PURE) included data on 136,384 people between 35 and 70 years old in 21 countries. Dietary intakes were recorded at the beginning of the investigation through food questionnaires specific to each country. The participants were followed for an average of 9.1 years. At this time, there were 6,796 deaths and 5,855 major cardiovascular accidents, the authors note.

In the study, a standard portion of milk was considered to be the equivalent of a glass of milk (244 g), a yogurt (244 g), a slice of cheese (15 g), or a teaspoon of butter (5 g).

The consumption of dairy products was highest in North America (368 g per day, or more than four servings) and lowest in South Asia, China, Africa and Southeast Asia (147, 102, 91 and 37 grams per day, respectively or less of a portion of dairy daily).

Benefits of some fats

The team indicates that more research is needed to understand why dairy products are associated with lower levels of cardiovascular disease. The recommendation to consume skimmed milk products is based on a single cardiovascular risk marker, LDL cholesterol.

However, they add, some saturated fats can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, and dairy products also contain healthy compounds, including specific amino acids, unsaturated fats, vitamins K1 and K2, calcium, magnesium, potassium and probiotics.

Among the limitations of the study, the authors said that the diets were self-reported. In addition, the measurements were made at the beginning of the work, so there could be changes throughout the investigation.

 

Source: SINC