A recent study published in BMC Medicine suggests that drinking cow’s milk may increase the risk of developing ischemic heart disease (IHD), particularly in women. Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden found that women who consumed 400 ml of milk daily had a 5% increase in the risk of heart disease, while those who drank 800 ml had a 21% increase. Men, on the other hand, did not experience the same impact on their heart health from milk consumption.
The team believes that lactose in milk could trigger inflammation, leading to damage to the heart. Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is characterized by narrow heart arteries that restrict blood flow and oxygen to the heart. This can result in chest pain and, in severe cases, heart attacks. Study author Professor Karl Michaëlsson emphasized the importance of a healthy diet in preventing cardiovascular diseases and suggested that replacing non-fermented milk with moderate fermented milk could lower the risk of heart disease in women.
Consumption of milk in the United States has been declining since the 1940s, according to USDA data. In 2017 to 2018, Americans drank an average of just 0.33 cups of milk per day. With the new findings indicating a potential link between milk consumption and heart disease risk, individuals may want to consider switching to alternative milk options such as soy, almond, or oat milk. The study’s results highlight the need for further research into the effects of dairy consumption on heart health, particularly in women.
The research team analyzed data from approximately 60,000 women and 40,000 men to determine the impact of milk intake on heart disease risk. They found that the risk increased as the amount of milk consumed per day increased, with higher intakes associated with greater risk. Women appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of milk consumption on heart health compared to men, indicating a potential gender difference in how dairy products affect cardiovascular outcomes.
Considering the widespread popularity of dairy products like milk, the study’s findings raise important questions about the impact of these products on heart health. With heart disease being a leading cause of death worldwide, understanding the role of diet, including milk consumption, in its development is crucial. Future studies may want to further explore the mechanisms by which milk consumption could contribute to heart disease, as well as investigate potential interventions to reduce this risk, particularly in women who may be more vulnerable to the effects of milk on their heart health.
