Study: Milk linked to earlier mortality, weaker bones

A new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) contradicts everything we've been told about milk since childhood.

Milk has long been touted as an excellent bone-strengthening beverage that provides the body many calcium-related benefits. But according to the new BMJ study, rather than helping to protect against bone fractures, a high milk intake may instead lead to increased mortality.

“Researchers looked at questionnaires from more than 100,000 people in Sweden on their dairy consumption habits. The study, which followed up with many of the participants after 11 to 20 years, found that high milk intake was associated with higher mortality in both men and women, as well as higher bone fracture in women,” details Time.

The negative side effects which appear to come with milk may be linked to the high amounts of sugars in the beverage, the study's authors say -- more specifically, lactose and galactose.

However, the authors emphasize that the results should be weighed with caution, pointing out that the study is merely observational and “not meant to draw casual conclusions.” Much more research is needed before valid deductions can be made.

Nonetheless, the results challenge many previous claims about the benefits of milk intake, and the validity of recommendations to drink a high quantity of the beverage to help strengthen bones.

"An editorial published alongside the study noted that countries in Europe and North America have both the highest levels of milk consumption in the world as well as higher rates of hip fractures and heart disease," details.. The Los Angeles Times.