What the study found
The study found that associations between dairy consumption and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors, differed by sex and by dairy subtype. Fermented dairy was linked to lower odds of metabolic syndrome in men, while cheese showed an inverse association in women. Several other associations were not significant.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that diet may play a key role in preventing metabolic syndrome and suggest that fermented dairy products may influence its risk. The findings indicate that the associations may differ for men and women, and that dairy subtype may matter.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 5,096 adults, including 44% men, from the National FinHealth 2017 study in Finland. Diet was measured with a validated food frequency questionnaire, and metabolic syndrome was defined using Joint Interim Statement 2009 criteria. The analyses used logistic regression and analysis of covariance with adjustment for confounders.
What worked and what didn't
In men, the highest quintile of fermented dairy consumption, excluding cheese, was associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.53 to 0.98; trend P = 0.018). In women, the highest quintile of cheese consumption was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.54 to 1.00; trend P = 0.046), with evidence of nonlinearity. Nonfermented and total dairy were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in men, while in women the highest consumption of these was associated with higher odds of metabolic syndrome; fermented dairy was also associated with lower triglycerides, and cheese with higher HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides in women.
What to keep in mind
This was a cross-sectional analysis, so it describes associations rather than showing cause and effect. The abstract also notes that several associations were null, and that higher odds of metabolic syndrome in women were seen mainly at the highest consumption levels of total and nonfermented dairy. The abstract does not describe additional limitations.
Key points
- Fermented dairy was associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome in men.
- Cheese was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in women.
- Total and nonfermented dairy showed higher odds of metabolic syndrome in women at the highest intake levels.
- Fermented dairy was associated with lower triglycerides, and cheese with higher HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides in women.
- The study was cross-sectional and included 5,096 Finnish adults.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Dairy associations with metabolic syndrome varied by sex
- Authors:
- Miika M. Wynne-Ellis, Tuula Tuure, Satu Männistö, Niina E. Kaartinen, Mirkka Maukonen
- Institutions:
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Valio (Finland)
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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