Fatty Acid In Dairy Foods Reduces Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

A substance found in the fat of dairy foods may substantially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, U.S. researchers have found. Nutritionists usually advise against eating a diet rich in dairy products, but scientific evidence is mounting that the substance, trans-palmitoleic acid, may be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers looked at data from 3,736 people who participated in a cardiovascular health study over 20 years. Risk factors such as blood glucose and insulin levels were measured along with levels of trans-palmitoleic acid. At the start, higher levels of trans-palmitoleic acid were associated with healthier levels of blood cholesterol and other factors. At follow up, those with higher levels of trans-palmitoleic acid had a 60 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those with lowest levels.