Intake of dairy milk may pose a greater risk for prostate cancer

Men with higher intakes of dairy foods, especially milk, face a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men with lower intakes. This is in accordance to a new study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University of Health. The study found no such associations between increased prostate cancer risk and intake of non-dairy calcium, suggesting substances other than calcium play a role in the risk dairy foods poses for prostate cancer.

The study evaluated the dietary intakes of over 28,000 men with a wide range of dairy and calcium exposure, all of whom were initially free of cancer. Dietary intakes were estimated from food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and repeated 24-hour recalls. A baseline questionnaire included demographics, family history of prostate cancer, physical activity, alcohol consumption, prostate cancer screening, and BMI.

The study's results revealed that men who consumed about 430 grams of dairy per day faced a 25% increased risk of prostate cancer compared to men who consumed only 20.2 grams of dairy per day. Also, men who consumed about 430 grams of dairy per day faced an even greater increase in risk when compared to men with zero dairy intake in their diets.