A recent study conducted in Canada reveals that consuming three daily servings of full-fat dairy can be safely integrated into a healthy diet without adversely affecting weight or key health markers. Published in The Journal of Nutrition, the research focused on adults with overweight and obesity, assessing the impact of full-fat dairy on nutrient intake and cardiometabolic health over a 12-week period.
The study aimed to determine whether the regular addition of full-fat dairy could fit within recommended dietary patterns, particularly in light of shifting guidelines that have often favored lower-fat options. While dairy products are generally recognized for their essential nutrients, concerns about saturated fat have led to a decline in full-fat dairy consumption in Canada.
Study Design and Participant Profile
Conducted at two Canadian universities, the trial involved 74 healthy adults aged between 25 and 60 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a low-dairy, energy-restricted diet; an energy-neutral diet including three servings of full-fat dairy; or an ad libitum diet with the same dairy inclusion, allowing for unrestricted caloric intake.
Participants received regular dietary counseling aligned with the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide, aimed at improving overall dietary habits rather than solely focusing on the effects of dairy consumption.
Findings on Health Markers and Nutritional Intake
Baseline assessments indicated that all participants had normal cardiometabolic profiles with no significant differences among groups. Over the course of the 12 weeks, the low-dairy group experienced a modest reduction in body weight and body mass index (BMI), while those consuming full-fat dairy maintained stable weights.
Interestingly, no significant changes were observed in waist circumference, body fat, or fat-free mass across any of the groups. Although some fluctuations in blood triglycerides were noted during the study, they returned to baseline levels by the end of the trial, highlighting the overall stability of blood lipid profiles across varying dairy consumption levels.
The full-fat dairy groups exhibited improved intake of key nutrients, particularly calcium and protein, surpassing recommended dietary levels. Participants across all groups reported enhancements in adherence to the Canada Food Guide, indicating a positive shift towards healthier food choices.
Nutrition knowledge also saw an increase, with many participants expressing a willingness to continue these dietary patterns beyond the study period. The structured counseling and emphasis on whole grains and reduced consumption of processed foods contributed to these improvements.
The findings suggest that incorporating three servings of full-fat dairy daily does not negatively impact weight or cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight or obesity when combined with appropriate dietary guidance. Instead, it may help bridge nutritional gaps, particularly in calcium and protein intake.
While the study’s design and comprehensive monitoring of dietary patterns are commendable, limitations such as a smaller-than-expected sample size due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a focus on metabolically healthy participants warrant consideration. The researchers emphasize the importance of ongoing investigation into the long-term effects of full-fat dairy on diverse populations, particularly individuals with existing metabolic conditions.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the compatibility of full-fat dairy within a balanced diet, advocating for a nuanced approach to dietary recommendations in light of emerging evidence.
