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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is low fat milk better? It is lower in fat but higher in sugar and salt?

    Related Topic
    Nutrition
    I have been buying low fat milk and then I realised there is more sugar and salt, why is this?
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    Harry Jamieson

    Nutritionist

    Simple and relaxed nutrition consultations aimed at improving your health. Focus on general wellbeing or more specific areas such as: weight loss, cholesterol, feeding children, … View Profile

    The benefits of less or no fat are obvious. And if weight, cardiovascular health, or blood sugar control is an issue then skimmed milk should be chosen. There are a few things to be aware of. Fat soluble vitamins, such as A, D and K will be lower and less absorbency, because there is less fat.

    But calcium absorption on the other hand may be better, because it has less fat. So there are definitely benefits and disadvantages to both. Milk that is higher in salt perhaps should be avoided, if you have cardiovascular problems. The higher protein of milk though, should slow the absorption of the sugar content.

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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    From the milk products I have looked at (I did a search of a few different brands) there is very marginal differences in the sugar and sodium content of full cream milk vs. skim milk vs. reduced fat milk. So I think that your concerns aren't warranted and you can continue to enjoy low fat milk :)

    If your goal is weight loss, it comes down to consuming less energy than what you are burning so opting for lower fat varieties of dairy products is a good strategy. Full cream milk and dairy products do contain more fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, and K however, you can get these from other foods such as nuts and seeds and plant based oils (e.g. olive oil) and some vegetables and lean meats (vitamin A). So consuming a well balance varied diet is a way to do this.

    For more expert advice look no further than an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). APDs are trained experts in all things food and nutrition and can help you to sift through the many misconceptions there are around nutrition. You can find an APD by logging onto www.daa.asn.au

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