Late last year, a study came out drawing conclusions on some of the health benefits typically associated with drinking milk. Things we constantly hear like “builds strong bones and teeth”.
This wasn’t just a small scale study either. The average length of observation was just over 20 years and more than 105,000 Swedes participated. You can read the entire abstract, methods and conclusions here.
Or in the sake of time…a few highlights from the study.
“For every glass of milk in women no reduction was observed in fracture risk with higher milk consumption for any fracture … “
“a positive association was seen between milk intake and both urine 8-iso-PGF2α (a biomarker of oxidative stress) and serum interleukin 6 (a main inflammatory biomarker).
“Because of the high content of lactose in milk, we hypothesised that high consumption of milk may increase oxidative stress, which in turn affects the risk of mortality and fracture. “
“Particularly noteworthy is that intake of fermented milk products such as yogurt and soured milk and cheese were associated with lower rates of fracture and mortality. Furthermore, we observed a positive association only between milk intake and markers of oxidative stress (urine 8-iso-PGF2α) and inflammation (serum interleukin 6). “
Just a bit concerning isn’t it?
There are some caveats and they hesitate from using this study as the sole reason for nutritional guidance. But at the same time, if what the popular guidance says is true, then should any of those very negative and conflicting results even be occurring?
The list of milk alternatives is growing and the number of things we can eat to replenish our calcium supplies is the best we’ve ever had. Just something to consider the next time you hit the supermarket.
Full transparency, while we have lowered our milk intake drastically since going more alkaline years ago, there still isn’t anything better with cookies.