Experimental evidence in various animal species indicates that a chronic exposure to D-galactose is detrimental to health, a source of aging and shortened lifespan. These consequences are due to oxidative stress damage, chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration, decreased immune response and gene transcriptional changes.
To test the hypothesis, the investigators used two community-based cohorts to analyze the association of milk consumption and mortality and fracture rates:
The Swedish Mammography Cohort: a group of 61,433 women, aged 39-74 in 1987-1990
The Cohort of Swedish Men: a group of 45,339 men, aged 45-79 in 1997.
In answer to a questionnaire, the participants reported their average consumption of up to 96 common foods and beverages, including milk, fermented milk, yogurt and cheese. Lifestyle information, weight and height were gathered and factors relating to education level and marital status were also taken into account. National registers were utilized to track fracture and mortality rates.