ROSEMONT, Ill.—Consuming a diet rich in dairy products may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and its related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to new research published in the journal Advances in Nutrition. The findings suggest dairy’s unique nutrient package may account for dairy’s positive effects and be a simple way to reduce diseases that affect more than 30% of Americans.
The review, conducted by scientists at the Dairy Research Institute®, reported that calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin D, as well as other components within dairy, specifically milkfat and whey proteins, together may help regulate one or more elements of metabolic syndrome, including, blood pressure, fasting glucose levels, the makeup of fats in the blood and body composition.
The review also highlighted recent studies that show dairy protein provides wellness benefits. Some of these findings have indicated that dairy protein, specifically whey protein, may be associated with beneficial changes in body composition when accompanied by routine resistance exercise. Whey protein is regarded as a “fast" protein because it is rapidly digested, allowing for quick delivery of amino acids to muscle. It is also one of the highest sources of essential amino acids, leucine in particular, which is uniquely recognized as an activator of muscle protein synthesis and believed to have an overall beneficial effect on muscle metabolism.
“Dairy is a great example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. This review provides further evidence that it’s the components in dairy working together that provide nutrition and health benefits, in this case, related to improved metabolic health," said Beth H. Rice, Ph.D., lead author of the review article and manager of scientific affairs for the Dairy Research Institute and the National Dairy Council®. “Although more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits related to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, this research does reinforce for the dairy industry the need to communicate the value of dairy’s nutrient package and its distinguishable contributions to consumer health and wellness."
Commenting on the review, Gregory Miller, Ph.D., president of the Dairy Research Institute, said, “Whey protein in particular is an asset to dairy’s nutrient package. Its ability to impact body composition and potentially impact risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome are an important benefit to dairy consumption. Further research on the mechanisms of whey protein involved with body composition benefits, specifically when compared to other dietary proteins, could strengthen our understanding of dairy’s role in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome."
