Low-Fat Milk Linked to Longer Life, Study Finds
Norwegian Research Shifts Dietary Guidance on Dairy Fat
New research from Norway suggests a significant health benefit for choosing low-fat milk over whole milk, potentially lowering your risk of death from heart disease or any cause.
Unpacking the Dairy Debate
For decades, dietary advice has leaned towards low-fat dairy, primarily due to the impact of saturated fatty acids (SFA) on LDL cholesterol. However, the direct link between full-fat dairy and adverse health outcomes has seen inconsistent findings.
Norwegian Study Offers Clearer Picture
A comprehensive study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed decades of data from a large Norwegian cohort. Researchers examined the association between milk consumption, distinguishing between whole and low-fat varieties, and mortality.
Key Findings Emerge
The study, which followed over 73,000 participants for a median of 33 years, found that higher overall milk intake was associated with an increased risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Crucially, whole milk consumption showed a statistically significant link to increased mortality risk compared to low-fat milk. This aligns with current public health recommendations.
Low-Fat Milk Offers Protective Edge
When directly comparing milk types, individuals who drank low-fat milk experienced a 7–11% lower mortality risk than those who consumed whole milk, even after accounting for the total quantity of milk consumed.
Specifically, low-fat milk drinkers had an 11% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 7% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. These protective effects were more pronounced in women and individuals of normal weight.
Implications for Public Health
The findings, while originating from a Norwegian population, provide robust, long-term evidence. They suggest that for individuals with high milk consumption, prioritizing low-fat options may be a prudent choice for long-term health and longevity.
In the United States, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 697,000 deaths in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023).
