The consumption of dairy products remains a subject of constant debate today, as the studies contradict each other. Of new research, presented at the 2018 annual congress of the ESC (European Society of Cardiology) last August, will not advance the case. With the exception of milk, which appears to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, researchers found that dairy products would protect against both cerebrovascular mortality and overall mortality.
Lower mortality
To obtain these results, Professor Maciej Banach of the Medical University of Lodz (Poland) and his team first examined data from an American study on health and nutritional examinations, carried out between 1999 and 2010 on more than 24,000 adults. The researchers found that the consumption of all dairy products was associated with lower risks of cerebrovascular and overall mortality. Cheese consumption, for example, was associated with an 8% lower overall mortality risk.
The combination of 12 other studies followed for about 15 years and bringing together 636,726 participants confirmed these results: ” [nous n’avons trouvé] no association between consumption of dairy products and cardiovascular illnesses or all-cause mortality, explains Professor Maciej Banach. In view of their protective effects, current guidelines aimed at limiting the consumption of dairy products, in particular cheese and yogurt, should be relaxed”, he competes. L’World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming between 450 and 550 mg of calcium per day for an adult. the National nutrition and health plan French advises to consume dairy products at least three times a day, or 900 mg of calcium per day for an adult.
The milk issue
“Yet a large 20-year study of Swedish adults, also published in 2017, showed that increased milk consumption was associated with a doubling of mortality risk, including for cardiovascular disease. “, nuances the Polish professor. Because milk is always a subject of debate. And even regarding its supposedly protective role on bone health and the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Indeed, a study showed that high milk consumption was associated with a higher incidence of fractures in women, as well as higher overall mortality. Results to be interpreted with caution, however, specify its authors, given the method used to achieve this: that of observation. “Consumption of skimmed or low-fat milk should be recommended, especially for those who consume large amounts of milk , defends Maciej Banach. Others advise on the contrary to drink whole milk. The best way to circumvent all these contradictions and to ensure that you maintain a balanced diet.
The study carried out by the Medical University of Lodz is available here.
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