What type of study is this?

This is a Systematic Review study (also classified as: Meta-Analysis).

August 22, 2025Open Access

Dairy Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular and Bone Health Outcomes in Adults: An Umbrella Review and Updated Meta-Analyses

PSPayam SharifanMashhad University of Medical Sciences RRRoshanak Roustaee MSMojtaba ShafieeUniversiti Putra Malaysia

Key Points

Dairy consumption, particularly milk and yogurt, is linked to reduced cardiovascular risk in adults.
Updated meta-analyses indicate total dairy intake reduces hypertension risk with a relative risk of 0.89.
Umbrella review methodology followed PRISMA guidelines, identifying 33 meta-analyses for assessment across two main health outcomes.
The findings suggest the need for more robust research to solidify the connections between dairy intake and health outcomes.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The relationship between dairy consumption and cardiovascular or bone health outcomes remains controversial, with inconsistent findings across existing meta-analyses. In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate and synthesize the evidence from published meta-analyses on dairy consumption and cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in adults, and to conduct updated meta-analyses incorporating recently published prospective cohort studies. Methods: We performed an umbrella review following PRISMA guidelines, searching published and grey literature up to April 2024. Meta-analyses evaluating dairy intake and its impact on cardiovascular and bone health outcomes were included. Updated meta-analyses were conducted for cardiovascular outcomes, while bone health outcomes were synthesized qualitatively. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Random-effects models were applied, and heterogeneity, small-study effects, excess significance, and prediction intervals were evaluated. Results: We included 33 meta-analyses (26 on cardiovascular, 7 on bone health outcomes). Updated meta-analyses showed that total dairy (RR: 0.96), milk (RR: 0.97), and yogurt (RR: 0.92) were significantly associated with reduced CVD risk. Total dairy and low-fat dairy were inversely linked to hypertension (RRs: 0.89, 0.87), and milk and low-fat dairy were associated with reduced stroke risk. Small-study effects were absent for most associations. Credibility was rated as “weak” for most associations, with total dairy and stroke, and total dairy and hypertension showing "suggestive" evidence. For bone health, dairy—especially milk—was linked to higher bone mineral density (BMD). Evidence on osteoporosis risk was mixed, and while total dairy and milk showed inconsistent associations with fractures, cheese and yogurt showed more consistent protective effects. Limited evidence suggested milk may reduce bone resorption markers. Conclusions: This review suggests that dairy consumption, particularly milk and yogurt, is modestly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, while dairy intake appears to benefit BMD and fracture prevention. However, further research is needed to confirm these associations.

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