Federal nutrition guidelines have long advised limiting full-fat dairy due in large part to its saturated fat content, which could be harmful to health, including by raising the risk of cardiovascular disease, Dr. Eilerman says.
However, “Some newer studies suggest that dairy — whether low-fat or full-fat — may have neutral effects on cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation,” says Sapna Batheja, PhD, RDN, an associate professor of food and nutrition studies at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. “The relationship between dairy fat and health outcomes is more complex than once thought.”
She adds, “These benefits are still being studied, and the higher calorie and saturated fat content in whole-milk dairy may not be ideal for everyone.”
“This challenges the old advice that low-fat dairy is always better,” Dr. Echeverry says.
Overall Diet Quality May Be a Factor
Dr. Batheja says it’s important to note that saturated fat from whole foods, like milk, yogurt, or cheese, may not have the same health impact as saturated fat from ultra-processed foods, such as fried snacks or packaged pastries.
She notes that many studies linking saturated fat to poor health outcomes are based on diets high in processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates — but full-fat dairy consumed as part of an overall balanced diet doesn’t appear to carry the same risks.
“This doesn’t mean all dairy is equally beneficial, but it does mean there may be more flexibility than older guidelines suggested, and the focus should be on overall dietary quality rather than just one nutrient,” Batheja says.