Consuming large amounts of milk increases the risk of fractures and the death rate, according to a study in the British Medical Journal.
Drinking milk may not be that good for your health … This is what a study published Thursday in the British Medical Journal.
Swedish scientists analyzed the eating habits of 61,400 women and 45,300 men: these participants had to indicate the frequency with which they consumed milk, yogurt, or even cheese. The authors of the study then monitored the evolution of their health for 20 years.
The results of the study
Women, who consume three or more glasses of milk per day, have a “90% higher” relative risk of death and a “60% higher” risk of hip fracture compared to those who drink less. ‘a drink a day, according to Prof. Karl Michaelsson, the main signatory of the study.
For men, the statistical link between a large quantity of milk consumed and the risk of death is also observed, but “in a less pronounced manner”, while no link is observed for fractures.
How to explain it?
According to Swedish scientists, these results can be explained by the presence in large quantities of specific sugars, lactose and D-galactose, in milk. D-galactose may play a role in cell “oxidative stress” and tissue inflammation, which weakens bones and could even lead to death.
“A lot of caution”
“We must take these studies with great caution”, analyzes Professor Patrice Fardellone, head of the Rheumatology department of the University Hospital of Amiens. In fact, what Swedish scientists have shown is a statistical link between heavy milk consumption and the risk of fractures.
Listen to Prof. Patrice Fardellone: ” In any case, we can not deduce a causal link. For the moment we cannot conclude that milk increases the number of fractures. “
Should we remove milk from our diet?
As René Rizzoli, professor emeritus at the University of Geneva, explains, “our body needs 800 to 1000 mg of calcium per day”. If we consume too much milk, we consume less of another food, which can lead to a deficiency and weaken the body … For Patrice Fardellone, it’s all about balance: “You have to vary the origins of calcium. : drink a glass of milk, eat cheese, eat dairy products, why not drink water or consume plants rich in calcium. As in all things, he will eat a little of everything and in average quantities ”.
Especially since the study published in the BMJ shows that if cheeses and yogurts are taken into account, there is a decrease in mortality and risk of fracture, especially in women! A good advocate for those who favor a rich and varied diet.
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