INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Provocative studies on the potential benefits of dairy fat may be reversing long-held doctrine in the dietary arena. Recent evidence suggests high-fat dairy products could prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and that whole milk may be the best choice for pre-diabetic adults.
Last week, a Swedish research team presented their findings that people consuming eight or more portions (one milk portion is 200 ml, or 6 fluid ounces) daily of high-fat dairy reduced their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by 23 percent. Examples of high-fat dairy include full-fat milk, cream, cheese and butter.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes abnormally high blood sugar levels, and Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. The study involved almost 27,000 people, 45-74 years old, during a 14-year period. Data were adjusted for factors like BMI, physical activity level and smoking.
Specifically, participants who consumed 30 ml or more of cream per day showed a 15 percent reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes, and those who drank 180 ml per day of high-fat fermented milk showed a 20 percent risk reduction. There was no corresponding link between low-fat dairy and the risk for diabetes.
"Our findings suggest there is something in high-fat dairy products that is protective, but we don’t know what is causing the results. More research is needed," said lead author of the study, Ulrika Ericson, in speaking with DairyReporter.com
The Lund University Diabetes Center in Malmo, Sweden, presented these findings last week at the annual meeting of the European Assoc. for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna, Austria.
Dairy fat has high saturated fat content, about 65 percent, which may account for its bad reputation for many years previous, according to www.NewsScientist.com. Local experts in milk nutrition find much to commend in the study but caution that more research needs to be done.
"The (traditional) message that low-fat and fat-free dairy products are the best choice is an easy fix and looks good on paper. But the science is more flexible," said Jenni Purcell Browning, senior director of communications and wellness for the Indiana Dairy Assoc.
According to an article by a Harvard scientist, replacing milk fat with sugary foods or additives, such as in sweetened milk, like low-fat chocolate, is not a good trade nutritionally, stated JAMA Pediatrics
Browning said more peer-reviewed studies need to be done.
"It’s a work in progress. New studies are coming out that suggest higher fat content in dairy is not as harmful as we thought and may be even beneficial," she explained.
Browning cited other studies that indicate consuming milk and dairy, regardless of their fat content, can lower blood pressure and the risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Concurrent with the Swedish study, researchers from Canada have found sufficient proportions of dairy in the daily diet can reduce risk for Type 2 diabetes and benefit metabolic health.
Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide, with an estimated 522 million people who will suffer with it by 2030. While many factors influence the disease, diet and exercise are "major risk factors" as well as the "cornerstone of prevention and treatment," according to the writers of the Canadian study.
"The new study is encouraging because people need a healthier relationship with food. They can eat food that tastes good and is satisfying without the guilt," Browning added, cautioning that moderation is the key to a healthy diet.
"To be healthy, most people can eat from all the food groups. If you eat leaner, watch your portion sizes and choose from colorful fruits and vegetables, you don’t need a special diet, trend, extract or pill."
Browning further suggested drinking a glass of milk with dinner may help reduce food consumption and promote weight loss. "You can have all types of milk and will still get the benefits of dairy."
