SPECIAL REPORT—For years, consumers have been told various information regarding milk and its effects on health. Now, one United Kingdom study indicates that there is indeed a benefit to drinking milk that can add longevity to some people’s lives.

Research conducted by the Universities of Reading, Cardiff and Bristol has found that drinking milk can less the chance of dying from illnesses such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke by up to 15-20%.

This marks the first time that disease risk and an association with milk consumption has been evaluated in relation to the number of deaths, which the diseases are responsible for.

 The study, led by Professor Peter Elwood of Cardiff University and Professor Ian Givens from the University or Reading, looked to establish benefits to drinking milk as opposed to detrimental consequences to its consumption.

“While growth and bone health are of great importance to health and function, it is the effects of milk and dairy consumption on chronic disease that are of the greatest relevance to reduced morbidity and survival,” said Professor Givens. “Our review made it possible to assess overall whether increased milk consumption provides a survival advantage or not. We believe it does.”

Givens indicates that their findings clearly show that when the number of deaths from coronary heart disease, stroke and colorectal cancer were taken into consideration, strong evidence supports that milk consumption was responsible for an overall reduction in the risk of dying from CHD. There was no evidence that suggested increased risk of developing any condition, with the exception of prostate cancer, according to the study.

Overall milk consumption was associated with increased survival in Western communities.

Another belief held by the researchers was that milk consumption could play a part in reducing health care costs by decreasing the likelihood of developing chronic disease and associated morbidity.

The University of Reading is ranked as one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities. The University’s research and teaching is recognized internationally. Cardiff University is recognized in independent government assessments as one of Britain’s leading teaching and research universities.