Nutritionists confront dairy myths

British nutritionists have outlined the positive role that milk and dairy foods can play with regards to obesity and healthy ageing. Delegates at ‘Dairy & Health: The Evidence Explained’ seminar series in London were told that 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.

Professor Kevin Whelan, professor of dietetics at King’s College London, says, “Milk and dairy foods are often targeted in public health campaigns to tackle obesity, but the latest research challenges this.

“The 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 outlined that dietary protein, particularly the type of protein found in dairy, is important for ageing muscles, and the latest scientific evidence on saturated fat, dairy, heart disease and type 2 diabetes was also presented.

Dr Anne Mullen, director of nutrition at The Dairy Council, adds, “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.”