Milk Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk: New Study Suggests moderation
For decades, milk has been a staple in many breakfast routines, touted for its beneficial calcium content and nourishing properties. However, a new study from Sweden suggests that moderation is key when it comes to milk consumption, notably for women. Teh study, which followed 45,000 men and 61,000 women in Sweden for over 20 years, found that women who consumed large amounts of milk had a slightly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Professor Karl Michaëlsson, one of the lead researchers at Uppsala University, explained that the tipping point seems to be around two glasses of milk per day. “Our study, which began in 1987, clearly shows a threshold at about two glasses,” he said in an interview with aftonbladet. Professor Michaëlsson also highlighted that women may have a lower tolerance for lactose, the sugar found in milk, due to evolutionary factors related to breastfeeding. Despite the findings, Professor Michaëlsson emphasized that individuals still consume a sufficient amount of dairy products, even if milk consumption has declined in recent years. He explained,”We might not drink as much milk anymore,but we’ve increased our consumption of cheese and yogurt. Therefore, the overall intake of dairy products remains similar.”## Milk Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk: An Interview with Professor Karl Michaëlsson
Considering new research suggesting a link between high milk consumption and cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in women, we spoke with Professor Karl michaëlsson, a leading researcher from Uppsala University and one of the authors of the groundbreaking study.
**Archyde: Professor Michaëlsson, your team’s long-term study indicates a potential connection between excessive milk consumption and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Could you elaborate on these findings?**
**Professor Michaëlsson:** Our study, which tracked 45,000 men and 61,000 women for over two decades, clearly shows a threshold at around two glasses of milk per day. Women who consumed more than this amount per day seemed to have a slightly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It’s crucial to note, however, that this doesn’t mean milk is inherently bad.
**Archyde: What could explain this difference in risk between men and women?**
**Professor Michaëlsson:** One possible explanation is a lower lactose tolerance in women due to evolutionary factors related to breastfeeding. There may be differences in how men and women metabolize lactose, and excessive consumption could have varying effects.
**Archyde: Despite these findings, you maintain that overall dairy intake remains stable, even with declining milk consumption. Can you explain this?**
**Professor Michaëlsson:** While milk consumption may be decreasing, we’ve observed an increase in cheese and yogurt consumption. This shift balances the overall dairy intake, meaning people are still getting those essential nutrients.
**Archyde: Given these evolving findings, what’s your advice to our readers trying to navigate the complexities of a healthy diet?**
**Professor Michaëlsson:** moderation is key. Be mindful of your milk consumption,especially if you’re a woman,and consider diversifying your dairy intake with other products like yogurt and cheese.
**We’d love to hear from you: How conscious are you of your milk intake, and what role does dairy play in your diet?**
