The Effects of Consuming Whole-Fat Dairy vs. Reduced-Fat Dairy
Dairy products, when consumed in moderation, can be a beneficial source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. In recent years, reduced-fat dairy products have been marketed as the healthier alternative to whole-fat dairy products. This is because foods and drinks high in saturated fat can be harmful to one’s health. Consuming too much saturated fat can cause cholesterol to build up in one’s body, which then leads to an increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. To prioritize students’ health, many school cafeterias now only offer reduced-fat milk during breakfast and lunch periods. However, newer research has found that there may not be a significant difference in the effects of consuming reduced-fat dairy rather than whole-fat dairy.
In a recent study, researchers conducted an experiment in which children aged four to six years old consumed two different types of dairy products and assessed their health using several measures after three months. One group of children solely consumed whole-fat dairy products, while another group solely consumed reduced-fat dairy products. Over a time span of three months, the researchers saw no significant difference in the children’s weights, blood pressure, and body composition. There was also no significant difference in the measure of the children's fasting serum lipids, glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP).
In a recent study, researchers conducted an experiment in which children aged four to six years old consumed two different types of dairy products and assessed their health using several measures after three months. One group of children solely consumed whole-fat dairy products, while another group solely consumed reduced-fat dairy products. Over a time span of three months, the researchers saw no significant difference in the children’s weights, blood pressure, and body composition. There was also no significant difference in the measure of the children's fasting serum lipids, glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Dairy products are labeled and sold as “reduced-fat” or “whole-fat.”
Image Source: NeONBRAND
Fasting serum lipids are a measure of cholesterol levels in the body. Measuring glucose can help determine blood sugar levels in the body. Similarly, an HbA1c test measures the average blood sugar in one's body over three months by analyzing the amount of glucose attached to the hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Finally, CRP is used as a measure of inflammation in the heart. These four markers are often used to screen for obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, as high levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation are all signs of such diseases.
The study shows that the two different types of dairy did not affect these markers in children over the span of three months. The scientists concluded that the type of dairy products children consume has no short-term effects on health. However, because of the study’s relatively short length and small sample size, it cannot be concluded that there is no difference in reduced-fat and whole-fat dairy products' likelihood to cause obesity and cardiometabolic diseases in the long run.
If long-term studies determine that there is no significant difference in effects between reduced-fat and whole-fat dairy products, children who prefer whole-fat over reduced-fat dairy products could consume the dairy products they most enjoy without harm. But before making any such changes, more conclusive research must be conducted on whether the type of dairy products children consume leads to different health outcomes long term.
The study shows that the two different types of dairy did not affect these markers in children over the span of three months. The scientists concluded that the type of dairy products children consume has no short-term effects on health. However, because of the study’s relatively short length and small sample size, it cannot be concluded that there is no difference in reduced-fat and whole-fat dairy products' likelihood to cause obesity and cardiometabolic diseases in the long run.
If long-term studies determine that there is no significant difference in effects between reduced-fat and whole-fat dairy products, children who prefer whole-fat over reduced-fat dairy products could consume the dairy products they most enjoy without harm. But before making any such changes, more conclusive research must be conducted on whether the type of dairy products children consume leads to different health outcomes long term.
Featured Image Source: The Humble Co.
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