You grew up viewing Got Milk? campaigns or moms and doctors telling you to drink a glass of milk a day to strengthen your bones and increase calcium intake. However, one study suggests that drinking a certain amount of milk may do more harm than good especially for women.
A Swedish study tends to break whatever idea we have about milk goodness. The findings, which are now published in British Medical Journal on Tuesday, October 28, point out that drinking over 200 grams (a full glass) of milk increases the risk of fractures and death among women.
The team performed a cohort study participated by 90,000 women and 100,000 from middle age to elderly. The researchers provided the participants with a food frequency survey form at the beginning of the study, and another one about 20 years later. By then, over 60,000 women and 45,000 men had completed both forms. One of the items on the list included milk, such as fermented.
Upon comparing milk intake and the cause of death of some participants in the study, they discovered that although consumption didn't have any profound effect on men, it increased the risk on women at different levels. For instance, drinking a full glass or two boosted the death risk to 21% and 93% if they consumed over 2 glasses a day. Drinking more than a full glass can also enhance the risk in fractures, contrary to the common belief that milk is good for bone strength.
The reason may have something to do with a component of lactose, which increases the chances of developing chronic body inflammation and oxidative stress, a problem that is so common among many types of animals.
Nevertheless, the study doesn't establish any connection between drinking milk and its effects on cardiovascular diseases. UK's NHS Choices also advises its people to take the news with caution as many factors may have affected the outcome including the kind of milk Sweden sells and the lifestyle of its people.
