Non-Fermented Milk Consumption Linked to Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: Evidence from Longitudinal Data

Non-fermented and fermented milk are widely consumed across the globe. These dairy products have distinct effects on the cardiovascular health, with some studies suggesting that their consumption patterns may influence the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and other cardiovascular disorders differently. Over the past half a century, there has been a notable shift in dairy consumption trends, characterized by a decrease in non-fermented milk intake alongside an increase in the consumption of fermented milk products.

Despite the recognized importance of diet in cardiovascular disease prevention, recommendations on milk intake vary widely across regions due to the uncertainty surrounding its health impact. In the United States, dietary guidelines advocate for three daily servings (8 oz or 237 mL each) of non-fermented milk or equivalent fermented milk products for adults. In contrast, European guidelines recommend a more moderate intake of 300–500 mL/day, emphasizing low-fat milk products. These differing recommendations highlight the need for further research to clarify the relationship between milk consumption and cardiovascular outcomes, including IHD and myocardial infarction (MI).

A study conducted by Micha?lsson et al., demonstrated that higher intake of non-fermented milk is associated with increased risks of IHD and MI in women (but not in men), with a non-linear relationship observed at intakes above 300 mL/day. Additionally, higher concentrations of the cardiometabolic proteins ACE2 and lower FGF21 were associated with increased IHD risk in women. Substitution of non-fermented milk with fermented milk was linked to a lower risk of IHD in both women and men. ?(See graphic for details).

(Source: Micha?lsson K, Lemming EW, Larsson SC, H?ijer J, Melhus H, Svennblad B, Baron JA, Wolk A, Byberg L. Non-fermented and fermented milk intake in relation to risk of ischemic heart disease and to circulating cardiometabolic proteins in Swedish women and men: Two prospective longitudinal cohort studies with 100,775 participants.?BMC Med. 2024;22(1):483. Doi:10.1186/s12916-024-03651-1.)