Does dairy raise cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in blood and a certain amount of cholesterol is needed in the body for cell formation and hormone production. When total cholesterol levels go above the healthy range, it can lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries and therefore, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased.

Generally there are two categories of cholesterol; good (HDL) and bad (LDL). The intake of saturated fat has been associated with increased cholesterol levels. However, not all saturated fats have a definite adverse effect on cholesterol or other markers of CVD risk as this is dependent on how much fat is consumed and from which food it comes from.

Dairy saturated fats are usually consumed within a matrix of other nutrients in foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese and currently research is exploring the benefits of these nutrient combinations for cardiovascular health. Given that fat is high in calories however, the dietary guidelines still advise people to choose low-fat dairy products.

Extra Information:

Along with risk factors such as genetics, smoking, high blood pressure and inactivity, high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A clinician such as a doctor can measure cholesterol and if results show a blood cholesterol level greater than 5 mmol/l, or if there is concern about HDL or LDL cholesterol levels, further tests can be arranged.