Scientists have unveiled new insights challenging traditional beliefs about dairy fats and heart health. A recent landmark study published in The Journal of Nutrition tracked over 3,000 young adults for 25 years and found that whole-fat dairy consumption in early adulthood may reduce the risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC), an established predictor of coronary artery disease.
The debate over dairy's impact on cardiovascular health has persisted for decades. Conventional guidelines have promoted low- or non-fat dairy to minimize saturated fat intake, which was thought to elevate heart disease risk. However, dairy products provide vital nutrients including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, complicating the narrative. This study sheds fresh light by focusing on younger populations and examining long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
Researchers involved 3,110 participants aged 18 to 30 enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Dietary intake was meticulously documented at baseline and after seven years. coronary artery calcification was assessed via imaging at 15, 20, and 25 years. To account for confounders, models adjusted for demographics, lifestyle factors, and body mass index (BMI).
Among 904 participants who developed coronary artery calcification, those consuming the highest quartile of whole-fat dairy exhibited a 24% lower risk of developing calcification compared to those in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio 0.76; 95% CI: 0.61–0.96). However, this protective association diminished when BMI was included, indicating body weight partly explains the effect. Intake of total or low-fat dairy was not significantly associated with coronary artery calcification risk.
These results suggest whole-fat dairy does not elevate— and might even reduce—subclinical atherosclerosis risk, challenging dietary recommendations favoring low-fat dairy for heart disease prevention. The interaction of dairy’s fatty acids and other components within the food matrix may underlie protective effects.
Lead researchers advocate for revisiting guidelines to emphasize overall dietary quality rather than single nutrient avoidance. Future studies encompassing diverse populations will be crucial to solidify these findings and guide nutritional advice to promote lifelong cardiovascular health.
REFERENCE: Cannon EJ et al. Dairy Intake and Coronary Artery Calcification: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Prospective Cohort Study; The Journal of Nutrition. 2025;DOI:10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.09.029.
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