Women who frequently consume large amounts of cow’s milk, such as in daily lattes, may face a heightened risk of heart disease, according to new research. A study by Uppsala University in Sweden suggests that drinking at least 400ml of milk per day could increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes by up to 12%.
The findings showed that the risk remained the same regardless of milk fat content, affecting women who consumed both whole and skimmed milk. The study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, suggests that lactose — a natural sugar found in milk — could contribute to inflammation, putting additional stress on heart health over time. Researchers noted that women might be more affected because they digest lactose more effectively than men.
The analysis included over 100,000 participants, with a majority being women. It tracked lifestyle and dietary habits over a span of 33 years. Results indicated that consuming 600ml of milk daily raised the risk of heart issues by 12%, with further increases at higher intake levels.
Study author, Professor Karl Michaelsson, highlighted that consuming fermented milk products, which have lower lactose content, might reduce these risks. He emphasized the need for balanced dairy intake, particularly for cardiovascular health, suggesting that replacing regular milk with fermented alternatives could be beneficial.
Despite the concerns, milk remains a valuable source of essential nutrients like calcium, crucial for bone health. The International Osteoporosis Foundation pointed out that adequate calcium intake helps prevent bone conditions such as osteoporosis. However, overconsumption of non-fermented milk might pose additional health risks, especially for women.
