University of Toronto study finds full-fat dairy may be safe for weight and cholesterol

A 12-week study conducted by the University of Toronto suggests that consuming three daily servings of full-fat dairy does not negatively impact body weight, body composition, or blood lipid levels in overweight or obese adults.

Led by Professor Harvey Anderson, the study involving 74 participants compared diets including calorie restriction and low-dairy intake against diets featuring three daily portions of full-fat dairy. Researchers observed that those consuming full-fat dairy showed improved blood pressure and higher intakes of calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

The findings, published in The Journal of Nutrition, may be explained by the "dairy-matrix" hypothesis, which posits that the nutritional impact of a food depends on its complex structure rather than just individual nutrients like saturated fats.