A study of more than 2,000 people with osteoarthritis of the knee suggests that women who drink skim or low-fat milk may have a slower progression of the problem. The Osteoarthritis Initiative used a food frequency questionnaire to assess how frequently the volunteers consumed milk (never, three times a week or less, 4 to 6 glasses a week and 7 ore more glasses a week). The study also included beginning and end of study X-rays of the knees to assess the joint space.
Milk consumption didn’t seem to make any difference for men, but women who drank the most low-fat or nonfat milk had significantly less attrition of joint space than those who drank the least. The apparent benefit does not extend to all dairy products, however. Whole milk and cheese were not beneficial. The authors recommend that the findings be replicated in other studies to see whether the relationship holds up.
