Study Suggests Milk May Not Be Good For You After All

New study suggests that drinking too much milk could actually increase the risk of bone fractures, despite earlier claims.

For years, commercials claimed that "milk helps build strong bones." But now a new study suggests that drinking too much milk could actually increase the risk of bone fractures.

A Swedish research team studied the diets of more than 45,000 men for around 11 years and more than 65,000 women for up to 20 years. They found that women who drank more than three glasses of milk a day were at a higher death risk than those who drank less than one glass. Surprisingly, they also increased their risk of bone fractures.

Men were also at a higher risk of death, mainly due to cardiovascular disease.

One surprise is that other dairy products including cheese, yogurt and other fermented dairy products actually decreased the chance of bone fracture and death.

While this study didn’t prove that milk causes these health problems and other factors could be responsible, researchers believe that there could be a link between the negative effects and a sugar found in milk called D-Galactose. Research has shown that it’s linked to increased inflammation in the body and the possibility of speeding up the aging process.

"There are still many good things that come from milk, but just like water, too much of a good thing may be bad. Moderation is the key," advised NBC4’s Dr. Bruce Hensel.

When consumed in moderation, milk does provide crucial nutrients such as Vitamin D, Calcium and Potassium. But if you are worried about this study or looking for ways to drink less milk, alternatives such as soy and almond milk may be an option. If you eat a balanced and healthy diet, you should get the vitamins you need from your food without drinking milk. But in some cases, supplements may be necessary.

Dr. Bruce’s advice: "The most important supplement to consider is Vitamin D. If you don’t drink milk, get your Vitamin D checked. Eighty percent of us are low in Vitamin D. If it’s low you can get it from the sun or take 5,000 units a day. Some doctors still feel a diet rich in milk is good for you. Others say we should cut dairy out altogether and there is some evidence for that. We need more research. But I would recommend drinking less than 3 glasses of milk a day."

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