The evidence base on milk and dairy and its relationship with lifelong health has shifted significantly over the past decade, according to leading nutritionists.
Speaking at ‘Dairy & Health: The Evidence Explained’ in Birmingham today, nutritionists confronted the milk myths and outlined the positive role that milk and dairy foods can play with regards to heart health, type 2 diabetes, obesity and healthy ageing.
Delegates were told that despite its saturated fat content, milk and dairy foods have shown no significant association with the risk of developing heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Some studies have even shown protective effects.
Nutritionists also outlined that, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, milk and dairy has no negative effects on body weight or body fatness, and may actually help to break the obesity cycle.
Dr Anne Mullen, director of nutrition at The Dairy Council, said: “Milk and dairy foods are often targeted in public health campaigns to tackle obesity, but the latest research challenges this.
“For example, we now know that body weight and fatness is not associated with children who consume higher than average amounts of dairy, including those who drink whole milk as opposed to low-fat products. We also have seen that in adults, consuming dairy as part of a calorie restricted diet can actually aid body fat loss.
“The calcium and protein in dairy may help in making us feel full and delay our desire to eat, and the calcium may also reduce the amount of fat that is absorbed in the gut.”
The nutritionists also outlined that dietary protein, particularly the type of protein found in dairy, is important for ageing muscles. Age-related malnutrition is a growing problem in the UK, and the proteins and amino acids contained in milk and dairy, such as whey and leucine, can help with the age-related loss of muscle mass and function.
Dr Leigh Breen, senior lecturer in exercise physiology and metabolism at The University of Birmingham, said: “With the UK’s ageing population, we need to be aware of how our diets can help our muscles us as we get older. Dairy foods are nutrient-rich sources of protein and research suggests that dairy protein may have a role in mitigating loss of muscle function in older people.”
Dr Mullen added: “Milk and dairy matters at all stages of life and can help in addressing a number of public health concerns. Whether it’s the heart, type 2 diabetes, obesity or ageing healthily that is of concern, dairy can play an important role in your lifelong health.
“The role of milk and dairy foods in leading a healthy balanced diet is all too often misunderstood, and it’s important we clear up the confusion and confront the myths. The evidence on milk and dairy is well-substantiated, and it’s gathering strength.”
The seminar was held in The Studio in Birmingham. The conference is part of a month-long roadshow series organised by The Dairy Council and will be held in cities across the UK throughout June to provide the latest evidence-based information for health writers and health professionals. All seminars in this series are CPD endorsed by The Association for Nutrition and have been backed by AHDB Dairy.
The seminar series will draw upon some of the hottest topics in dairy and health, including dairy’s relationship with cardiometabolic health, obesity and healthy ageing (muscle and bone health).
