Drinking Regular Milk Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk in Women, Study Shows
Study Finds Higher Heart Disease Risk in Women Who Drink Regular Milk, But Not Fermented Varieties
Regular Milk and Heart Disease Risk in Women
A recent study conducted in Sweden has revealed an unexpected connection between regular milk consumption and an increased risk of heart disease in women. The research found that consuming non-fermented (regular) milk could contribute to higher rates of ischemic heart disease and heart attacks in women, but not in men. This new insight raises questions about how different types of milk—specifically fermented vs. non-fermented—may impact heart health.
Study Overview: How Milk Impacts Heart Disease Risk
The study, which involved over 100,000 Swedish men and women, explored the relationship between milk consumption and cardiometabolic proteins, which doctors use to assess cardiovascular risk. Led by Karl Michaëlsson, MD, PhD, a professor at Uppsala University, the research analyzed data from two extensive cohort studies—the Swedish Mammography Cohort (SMC) and the Cohort of Swedish Men (COSM).
Non-Fermented Milk Linked to Heart Disease in Women
The key finding of the study was that drinking 300 mL (about 1.5 glasses) or more of non-fermented milk daily was associated with a higher risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and myocardial infarction (heart attack) in women. Interestingly, the same link was not observed in men. For women consuming just half a glass (100 mL) of milk per day, the risk was not elevated.
The study also found that drinking up to four glasses of non-fermented milk per day was associated with a 21% higher risk of heart disease compared to drinking only a small amount. This was consistent even when factoring in other lifestyle influences such as BMI, diet, and exercise.
No Heart Disease Risk with Fermented Milk
The study showed that fermented milk products like yogurt and sour milk had no such associations with increased heart disease risks in either gender. The researchers highlighted that fermented milk is rich in beneficial bacteria, which may offer protective cardiovascular benefits by positively influencing gut health and reducing inflammation.
Why Does Non-Fermented Milk Pose a Risk for Women?
Experts suggest that the reason why non-fermented milk might be linked to heart disease in women could be related to differences in how men and women metabolize the components of milk. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, suggested that women may experience more oxidative stress and inflammation from milk’s lactose degradation products, leading to higher cardiovascular risk.
On the other hand, fermented milk contains probiotics (such as Lactobacillus) which promote a healthy gut microbiome, potentially reducing inflammation and offering a protective effect for the heart.
Expert Opinions on the Study Findings
Other medical professionals, like Dr. John Higgins, a cardiologist at UTHealth Houston, agree that fermented milk may have additional cardiovascular benefits. They emphasize that fermented dairy products are rich in essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, which can reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and promote better heart health.
What This Means for Future Dietary Guidelines
While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between milk consumption and heart disease, the findings suggest that fermented milk products might be the healthier option. Experts believe that this information could eventually lead to changes in dietary guidelines, with a preference for fermented milk in promoting heart health.
Conclusion: The Case for Choosing Fermented Over Non-Fermented Milk
In conclusion, if you’re concerned about your heart health, switching to fermented milk products like yogurt or kefir could be beneficial. While regular milk is associated with a higher heart disease risk for women, especially when consumed in large quantities, fermented options do not show the same adverse effects.
As this area of research develops, health professionals may begin advising women to limit their intake of non-fermented milk, favoring the heart-healthy benefits of fermented dairy products instead. For now, it’s clear that fermented milk is the safer bet when it comes to maintaining cardiovascular health.
