Milk Manifesto: nutritionists fight dairy ‘myths’

The Milk Manifesto was signed by 12 nutritionists and academics, to dispel “the myths and misconceptions”​ about milk’s impact on health. The manifesto’s launch yesterday (June 1) came on annual World Milk Day, which is celebrated in more than 30 countries.

Milk was important for children’s growth and development, and had a protective effect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes, nutritionists said. Milk was not linked to obesity, and was just as effective in athletes’ recovery as commercially available sports drinks, they added.

‘Part of a healthy diet’​

“Milk is an important part of a healthy diet,”​ said Durham University professor of nutrition Carolyn Summerbell. “Contrary to popular opinion, research has shown that milk consumption is not associated with obesity in population studies.​

“For this reason, I am proud to sign the Milk Manifesto – milk is a healthy, nutritious food and World Milk Day provides the perfect opportunity to break the myths and remind ourselves why milk remains a great choice of drink.”​

The manifesto urged the media and “self-style nutrition ‘experts’”​ to trust the science surrounding the dairy sector.

‘A little common sense’​

The Dairy Council director of nutrition Anne Mullen said: “We need remind ourselves that when it comes to nutrition, sometimes all we need is a little common sense. For centuries, milk has been a staple in our diets, but recently in the era of fad diets and self-styled nutritionists offering ill-founded advice, it has come under criticism. That’s why we, along with a number of leading nutritionists, have launched the Milk Manifesto.​

“It’s time we trusted the science. Milk is high in calcium, iodine and protein – all of which are all key nutrients that benefit children, teenagers and adults alike. Recent research also shows that milk has a protective or neutral or protective relationship with heart health and type 2 diabetes.”​

Meanwhile, last month, University of Bath’s Javier Gonzalez said that increasing calcium in our diets could reduce the prevalence of obesity​. Calcium mimicked the effect of bariatric (weight loss) surgery, he said.