Studies cast doubt on benefits of milk consumption in adults

Aaron E. Carroll, MD, MS, professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine, writes in the New York Times (11/18, Subscription Publication) “The Upshot” blog that an increasing amount of research now suggests that “milk consumption may not only be unhelpful, it might also be detrimental” in adults. This finding comes despite “the fact that the United States Department of Agriculture and other organizations advocate that even adults should drink at least three cups a day.” Studies have found that milk consumption during adolescence appears not to reduce the chance of fractured hips in senior years. In a Swedish study, milk consumption was tied to a greater risk for fractures in women and absolutely no protection at all against fractures in men. Dr. Carroll contends that even though milk has its place on cereal and as an accompaniment to cookies, “there’s very little evidence that most adults need it.”