Cardiovascular Disease

The evidence, to date, does not indicate an association between milk product consumption and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, emerging evidence suggests that milk products could help in the prevention of heart disease and stroke. However, this may not be the case for calcium supplements which, according to evidence from meta-analyses, could have an adverse effect on cardiovascular health.

Calcium Supplements and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

There is evidence from meta-analyses that calcium supplements are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, dietary calcium has not been shown to impair cardiovascular health, and the evidence related to milk products indicates that they may in fact reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: calcium supplements, cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular Disease

The evidence to date does not support an association between milk product consumption and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Saturated Fat and Cardiovascular Diseases: The Role of Milk Products in Reducing Risk

Current dietary recommendations advocate reducing saturated fatty acid intake to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that milk products, including cheese, may reduce cardiovascular disease risk despite their saturated fatty acid...
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Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a combination of interrelated symptoms (Table 1) that substantially increases the risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
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New evidence reveals that saturated fat does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

In light of new scientific data, it appears that saturated fat is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
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Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease

A systematic review of the evidence performed in 2009 for the Institute of Medicine by the Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center in preparation for revisions to the Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin D and calcium concluded the following regarding vitamin D and cardiovascular disease:...
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Stroke

Large population studies, including some prospective cohort studies, indicate a beneficial role for milk product intake in the prevention of stroke.
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Scientific Evidence Keywords

What's New

March is Nutrition Month!

This year, Dairy Farmers of Canada is continuing its over 30-year tradition as the proud partner of Nutrition Month organized by Dietitians of Canada and the dietitians in your region.
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Calcium Supplements and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

There is evidence from meta-analyses that calcium supplements are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, dietary calcium has not been shown to impair cardiovascular...
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Milk: An Essential Source of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency affects a large proportion of older adults, and its prevalence increases with age. Furthermore, recommended intakes may not be adequate to reach and maintain optimal vitamin...
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Milk Products and Breast Cancer

Current evidence from the literature indicates that the consumption of milk products is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
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Featured Topics

Roles on Certain Health Conditions

Want to learn more about the association between milk products and certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes, acne, kidney stones, or dental carries? You will find in this section the latest scientific evidence on those different topics.
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Chocolate Milk and Health

In addition to helping athletes recharge after a workout, chocolate milk may help improve the overall quality of children’s and adolescents’ diets. Flavoured milk can also benefit Canadians who fail to meet the recommended daily servings of Milk and Alternatives recommended by Canada’s Food Guide.
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Healthy Weight

Studies indicate that a diet containing adequate amounts of milk products could make it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Our research summaries, which you will find inside the Articles and Studies Finder filter below, offer you an objective look at studies published up to 2008.
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