Medical News Today (MNT)Milk May Help Boost Gut Health, while Cheese Could Harm It

This article examines a recent study published in Nutrients investigating the differential effects of dairy product consumption on gut microbiome composition. The research analyzed colonic mucosal biopsies from 34 subjects using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, finding that milk and cheese consumption may have opposing effects on gut bacterial diversity and beneficial bacteria populations.

Key Clinical Considerations

• Higher milk consumption was associated with increased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia bacteria, which may reduce inflammation and protect against intestinal diseases.
• Increased cheese consumption correlated with decreased levels of Bacteroides bacteria, which has conflicting evidence regarding health effects in current literature.
• Study participants with higher total dairy and milk consumption, and lower cheese intake, demonstrated greater alpha-microbial diversity, suggesting a more resilient gut microbiome.
• The study excluded individuals with family history of colon diseases, IBD, recent colorectal polyps, or those taking medications that could affect results.
• Small sample size (n=34) limits generalizability, and the self-reported dietary questionnaire methodology introduces potential recall bias.

Clinical Practice Impact

• When discussing dairy consumption with patients concerned about gut health, distinguish between potential differential effects of milk versus cheese products.
• For patients without lactose intolerance, consider recommending low-fat milk products to potentially support beneficial gut bacteria.
• Patients with IBD or other gut-related conditions may benefit from Mediterranean diet guidance, which includes certain dairy products like yogurt.
• Note to patients that this is preliminary research and individual responses to dairy products may vary based on existing gut microbiome composition and digestive health.
• Document dietary recommendations with appropriate caveats about limited evidence quality when advising patients with gastrointestinal concerns.

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