Milk may be linked to bone fractures and early death

ConclusionThis Swedish study found women who drink more than 200g (less than one glass) of milk a day have an increased risk of death and fractures. In men, the link between milk and risk of death or fractures was less strong. There was no link between milk intake and fractures, and the risk increases for death above two glasses a day were small and of borderline statistical significance.The study has various strengths, including its large population size of both men and women, and long-term follow-up. Also, the Swedish registries used to identify causes of death and hospital attendances for fracture are likely to be accurate and reliable.However, there are important limitations to bear in mind when interpreting meaning from this study, as follows: The study cannot prove direct cause and effect between milk and these outcomes. Although the researchers have tried to take account of various health and lifestyle factors, the study may not have been able to fully account for the influence of these factors (for example, former or current smoking categories were considered, but within these there is going to be a wide range of frequency and duration). There may also be other unmeasured factors influencing the association. There may also be the possibility for reverse causation. For example, postmenopasual women who were at risk of, or had been diagnosed with, osteoporosis could have been at an increased risk of having a fracture and may have been increasing their milk intake...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news