Letter: Milk can be especially lethal for men

By Neal A. Barnard Today at 1:15 a.m.

‘Cows are amazing animals.” That’s what the author of a recent Forum commentary wrote as she told the story of her 20-year-old son’s longtime love of cows. She’s right. But what is most amazing about cows is how much they have contributed to our health problems. As we observe Men’s Health Month, it’s important to be clear about the serious health risks dairy products in particular pose to men.

I know how deep-rooted the milk myth is in our culture. Growing up in Fargo, I drank cartons of milk for lunch and always a glass of milk at dinner. It wasn’t until after I graduated medical school – and eventually saw my family members being attacked by diseases like cancer, artery disease, and dementia – that I began to question our milk-heavy diets.

Milk can be especially deadly for men. For decades, studies have consistently shown that the more milk men drink, the greater their risk for developing prostate cancer.

A study published earlier this month found that men who consume three or more servings of dairy products per day increase their risk of dying from prostate cancer by a staggering 141 percent.

In spite of this link, milk marketers continue to create campaigns that target men and boys. In recent years, we’ve seen Super Man flexing his muscles and sporting a milk mustache, while ultra-protein-packed products like MuscleMilk and Powerful Yogurt – Greek yogurt designed for the “needs of active men” – have popped up on grocery store shelves.

So what makes dairy products so dangerous? They’re extraordinarily high in fat, for one thing. A typical slice of cheese derives a whopping 70 percent of its calories from fat. In fact, dairy products are the top source of artery-clogging saturated fat in the American diet. On top of that, they’re a major source of sodium and cholesterol.

Continuous milk marketing has also been a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. The average American now consumes about 630 pounds of dairy products per year.

If you imagined you need milk for strong bones, science has shown otherwise. A large-scale Harvard study found no evidence that milk consumption can prevent bone fractures or osteoporosis. Another study of more than 96,000 people found that the more milk men consumed as teenagers, the more bone fractures they experience as adults.

In the coming months, North Dakota’s fields will be rich in tomatoes, radishes and cucumbers. We’ll be able to pick lettuce, peas, and green beans. With research showing that vegetable consumption can dramatically reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other forms of chronic disease, let’s celebrate the health of our sons, brothers and fathers with these foods instead of dairy products.

Barnard, M.D., is originally from Fargo. He is founder and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Letter: Milk can be especially lethal for men