Milk intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and prostate cancer

Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2009 Jul;53(5):688-94. doi: 10.1590/s0004-27302009000500021.

Abstract

Milk intake is widely recommended for a healthy diet. Recent evidences suggest that milk/dairy products are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. On the other hand, high calcium intake has been associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. The calcium and vitamin D content in dairy foods could have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and renin/angiotensin system as well regulates body weight. The association between high dairy/calcium consumption and prostate cancer risk are related to the presence of estrogens and insulin like growth factor (IGF-I) in milk. Based on the current evidence, it is possible that milk/dairy products, when consumed in adequate amounts and mainly with reduced fat content, has a beneficial effect on the prevention of hypertension and diabetes. Its potential role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer is not well supported and requires additional study.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium, Dietary / administration & dosage*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
  • Diet Surveys
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / prevention & control*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Male
  • Milk* / adverse effects
  • Milk* / chemistry
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I