Global, regional, and national burden of disease attributable to a diet low in milk, 1990–2021: An updated analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study 2021.

Milk, a staple in many diets worldwide, is often considered a nutritional powerhouse. Being rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and high-quality protein, it plays a pivotal role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Numerous studies have linked adequate milk consumption to a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. However, consuming a large amount of milk may lead to undesirable effects, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and some cancers. The relationship between milk consumption and health outcomes is complex and multifaceted and therefore it is important to redefine its role and impact in global diets from time to time as new reputable information becomes available. Therefore, the study cited reviewed recent literature to better understand the global health effect of a diet low in milk on cancer, by analysing the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease study of 2021.

The results revealed that the number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of colon and rectum cancer (CRC) attributable to a diet low in milk increased from 1990 to 2021. The age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR) for CRC due to low milk intake declined slightly over this period, with a faster decline observed among females. Predictive analysis shows similar tendency, even higher ASMR and ASDR in CRC associated with a diet low in milk in males than in females by 2050. In contrast, the rate of prostate cancer attributable to a diet low in milk remained relatively stable. Regionally, southern Latin America exhibited the highest ASMR and ASDR for CRC associated with a diet low in milk in 2021, whereas western sub-Saharan Africa had the most notable changes in these rates for prostate cancer. The largest decrease in ASMR and ASDR of CRC due to a diet low in milk was observed in the high socio-demographic index (SDI) region. In addition, the low SDI region exhibited the highest change rates for prostate cancer attributable to a diet low in milk.

In summary, the study provides valuable insights into trends for the global burden of colon and rectum, and prostate cancer attributable to a diet low in milk, emphasizing the importance of considering gender, age, regional, and national differences in dietary habits and disease risk when formulating public health policies and dietary recommendations.