BOSTON—A recently published study in the journal Circulation discusses how whole milk may promote cardiometabolic health.

Authored by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist, epidemiologist and associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, the study found that, over time, children who drank more lowfat milk gained more weight, while those who drank more whole milk gained less weight.

“The review underscores the importance of eating a variety of foods in moderation and calls into question the validity of some dietary guidelines concerning dairy,” explained Tony Banks, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Robert Pemberton, president of the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, was not surprised by the findings and said it confirmed something dairy farmers already knew.

 “Milk’s easily digested fat is not only good for you but also helps you feel full so you don’t eat extra calories,” Pemberton said. “Our mothers were right; a balanced diet and moderation are the way to go.”

Because his is not the first study to present such findings, Mozaffarian is calling for further research on the cardiometabolic effects of dairy foods.

 Banks said Mozaffarian’s study “documents the need to begin looking at the overall value of each type of dairy food rather than treating each type the same based on vitamin and fat content.”

The full text of Dietary and Policy Priorities for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Obesity is available at circ.ahajournals.org/content/133/2/187.full#abstract-1.

Media: Contact Banks at 804-290-1114.