Canadian Study Finds Full-Fat Dairy Did Not Increase Weight or Cholesterol
A new Canadian study has challenged the long-standing assumption that full-fat dairy products necessarily contribute to weight gain or higher cholesterol levels. Researchers found that consuming three servings of full-fat dairy each day for 12 weeks did not significantly affect body weight, body composition, energy metabolism or blood lipid levels among adults with overweight or obesity.
The study, led by University of Toronto professor Harvey Anderson, involved 74 adults who were randomly assigned to three dietary groups. One group followed a calorie-restricted, low-dairy diet, while the other two groups consumed three servings of dairy daily. One of these groups followed an energy-neutral diet, while the other had no specific energy restriction.
Participants were advised to follow Canada’s Food Guide and were provided with full-fat dairy products.
No Significant Impact on Weight or Cholesterol
After 12 weeks, researchers found no meaningful differences in weight gain, body composition or cholesterol levels between participants following the low-dairy diet and those consuming three servings of dairy each day.
However, participants consuming more dairy recorded improvements in blood pressure and higher intakes of important nutrients, including calcium, protein and vitamin D.
The findings, published in The Journal of Nutrition, add to growing research questioning whether the health effects of dairy can be assessed solely by its saturated fat content.
The Dairy Matrix May Play a Role
Full-fat dairy has traditionally been viewed cautiously because of its saturated fat content, with dietary recommendations often encouraging consumers to choose low-fat or fat-free options.
However, researchers noted that several human studies have failed to establish a clear link between full-fat dairy consumption and adverse health outcomes. Some studies have even reported neutral or potentially beneficial effects.
One possible explanation is the dairy matrix hypothesis, which suggests that the physical structure of whole dairy foods may influence how their nutrients are digested and absorbed.
Dairy contains proteins such as casein and whey along with fat and other nutrients. Their interaction within the food structure may affect how nutrients are released and processed by the body, potentially producing different effects than would be expected from examining individual nutrients separately.
Potential Relevance for Older Adults
The findings could be particularly relevant for older adults, who often need adequate protein and essential nutrients while managing lower overall calorie requirements.
Milk and other dairy products can provide protein, calcium and vitamin D in a relatively nutrient-dense food source. This could make dairy a practical option for people who need to maintain adequate nutrient intake without consuming large amounts of food.
The researchers said the findings also highlight the importance of evaluating foods as a whole rather than judging them solely on the basis of individual nutrients.
More Research Is Still Needed
The study does not establish that full-fat dairy is healthier than low-fat dairy, nor does it demonstrate the long-term effects of consuming three servings of full-fat dairy every day.
With only 74 participants and a 12-week study period, the research has important limitations. Longer and larger studies will be required to understand the potential effects of regular full-fat dairy consumption over time.
The findings instead suggest that the relationship between dairy consumption, saturated fat and health may be more complex than previously assumed.
For consumers, the researchers emphasised moderation and dietary variety rather than recommending that everyone switch to full-fat dairy.
The takeaway: full-fat dairy did not lead to weight gain or higher cholesterol in this short-term study, while higher dairy consumption was associated with improved blood pressure and increased intake of key nutrients.