Search
Language
Is the consumption of dairy products detrimental to health?
Table of Contents
1. He suffers from acne
It is important to note that in some cases, the elimination of dairy from the diet is necessary. This applies mainly to people with acne, a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex etiology. An increased level of IGF-1, a type 1 insulin-like growth factor, is considered to be the cause of skin deterioration after consuming dairy products. The result is an increase in sebum production and the appearance of skin symptoms. Other dietary factors affecting these symptoms are highly processed foods, a high glycemic load of meals, and the intake of B12 supplements. It is also important to note that the appearance of acne can be caused by many other factors, such as hormonal changes, stress, skin type, bacterial or parasitic skin infections. A study that investigated the influence of consuming dairy products on the risk of developing acne suggests that such a dependency can occur, however the authors recommend interpreting these results with caution due to the large heterogeneity in the studied group. It is important to note that such a dependency can occur, but does not have to, and it cannot be said that only dairy products are responsible for the worsening of the skin condition.2. He was diagnosed with osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is characterized by a progressive loss of bone mass, leading to, among other things, long-term calcium deficiency in the diet. In one study evaluating different methods of prevention of osteoporosis in the nutritional aspect, the authors confirmed that regular consumption of milk can prevent bone loss (L. Wadolowska et al., 2013). Milk products are known to be an excellent source of calcium in the diet (they cover 45-70% of the demand for this component). Therefore, in order to maintain the appropriate mineral density of bones and to combat degenerative changes in the skeletal system, people who eliminate milk products should provide calcium from other food sources to avoid dangerous deficiencies. Other sources of this bioperiodic mineral are, among others, beans, dried plums and dates, buckwheat groats, sesame, sardines, broccoli, turnips, almonds. It can also be provided from enriched products and highly mineralized water. To avoid calcium deficiency and, consequently, the development of osteoporosis, it is worth including milk products in your daily menu.3. Dairy Products and Cardiovascular Diseases
Presently, cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality globally. Diet plays a significant role in their development. Research findings suggest that the consumption of dairy products does not increase the risk of such conditions, especially for low-fat dairy products (S. Rozenberg et al. 2016). However, one meta-analysis indicates a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and coronary heart diseases, caused by consuming low-fat dairy products (L. Q. Qin et al., 2015). However, further investigations are necessary regarding the impact of full-fat dairy products on health.4. The correlation between dairy intake, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
There is a correlation between dairy consumption and body weight due to mechanisms such as lipolysis, lipogenesis, and the process of absorption of fatty acids. This means that consuming dairy products can facilitate fat breakdown, reduce fat synthesis, and absorption from the digestive tract. Research also indicates that dairy proteins can regulate appetite and food intake. In children, consuming dairy products in the diet can reduce the risk of obesity, and in adults, it can improve overall body weight loss. For those looking to lose weight, consuming dairy during weight loss can make it easier through supporting the burning of stored fat. Further studies suggest that consuming fermented dairy drinks, yogurt, and cheese can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.5. Dairy Products and Cancer
The impact of dairy products on carcinogenesis is not unequivocal, it may be both positive and negative. This is due to the high concentration of IGF-1. On one hand, calcium, lactoferrin, and fermentation products have a positive effect in preventing the development of cancers. On the other hand, the action of the amino acids in milk can be both positive and negative.6. Intolerance and allergy to dairy products
Lactose-free diets maintain their popularity, although their use is appropriate primarily in case of lactose intolerance (hypolactasia), which is often mistakenly associated with allergy. Lactose is a bifold sugar present in dairy products, and its breakdown is caused by the lactase enzyme. In childhood, lactase production is at its highest and decreases with age, which often leads to unpleasant gastrointestinal disorders of varying severity, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating. Often, it is not necessary for individuals with lactose intolerance to completely eliminate all dairy products from their diet, as some products can be well tolerated. There are also many dairy products that practically do not contain lactose, such as long-ripened cheeses. When it comes to allergy to cow's milk proteins, it primarily affects infants and young children, who usually outgrow it. This is associated with achieving the immunological maturity of the body. The immune system is involved in the development of allergy, while no immunological systems of the body are involved in the occurrence of intolerance. Crucial is the fact that the appearance of an allergy necessitates a complete abandonment of the use of dairy products. In this case, the lactose content is irrelevant. In case of intolerance, a complete elimination of dairy products may not be necessary.7. Can dairy products be a valuable part of the diet? A summary
Dairy products play a key role in the dietary recommendations for our population. They are primarily a valuable source of well-absorbed protein and calcium, as well as vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium). Fermented dairy products like kefir or buttermilk are an important source of probiotic bacteria that support digestion and the immune system. However, there are various products available on the market, including less valuable products like sweetened cheese, melted cheese, flavored yogurts, but also natural cheese, yogurts, and milk that are rich in important nutrients. The amount of additives and the degree of processing are crucial in this case. It is important to evaluate the value of dairy products in the context of maintaining good health and also to note that common opinions about dairy products often have nothing to do with the facts confirmed in scientific studies. Most people do not have medical reasons to eliminate dairy products from their daily diet.
