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Another Study Shows No Link Between Dairy and Weight Loss
posted 10/22/08
A new study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shows that dairy products have no effect on metabolism or weight control. The Swiss study, funded by Nestle, tested the hypothesis that boosting calcium intake promotes weight loss, at least in people who are not already getting adequate calcium. In a crossover design, participants took a 400 mg dairy calcium supplement or a placebo twice a day for five weeks, with a 10-week washout period between the two treatments. Neither treatment had any significant effect on resting energy expenditure or body weight.
The dairy/weight-loss hypothesis has been promoted in dairy industry advertising but has not held up in clinical trials.
References
- Bortolotti M, Rudelle S, Schneiter P, et al. Dairy calcium supplementation in overweight or obese persons: its effect on makers of fat metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;88:877-885.
- Lanou A, Barnard ND. The dairy and weight loss hypothesis: an evaluation of the clinical trials. Nutr Rev. 2008;66:272-279.
