Study links full-fat milk to higher heart disease risk

A new study investigates the health impacts of full-fat and low-fat milk on heart disease risk.

Full-fat milk linked to higher risk of heart disease

A long-term study has revealed important insights about milk consumption and heart health. Conducted in Norway, researchers tracked 73,860 individuals over 33 years, ultimately identifying a notable correlation between milk fat content and health outcomes. Those who consumed full-fat milk had a significantly higher risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease compared to low-fat milk drinkers. This was particularly evident as the analysis showed that full-fat milk drinkers faced a 22 percent increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 12 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death. The study aligns with existing health advice indicating that high saturated fat intake can negatively impact heart health.

These findings raise important questions about dietary guidelines and public health. As consumers often seek products based on perceived health benefits, the distinction between full-fat and low-fat milk becomes crucial. With a trend toward healthier eating, it might be wise for educators and healthcare professionals to clarify the implications of these findings. Moreover, as lifestyle factors like smoking and education level differ between milk consumers, this complexity underlines the need for more personalized dietary recommendations.

Highlights

Future research might explore other dietary factors that impact cardiovascular health.