Milk is a widely consumed beverage that is essential to the diet of several millions of people worldwide because it provides important macro- and micronutrients. Milk is recognized as being useful during childhood and adolescence because of its composition; however, its relatively high saturated fat proportion raises issues of potential detrimental effects, namely on the cardiovascular system. This review evaluates the most recent literature on dairy and human health, framed within epidemiologic, experimental, and biochemical evidence. As an example, the effects of milk (notably skimmed milk) on body weight appear to be well documented, and the conclusions of the vast majority of published studies indicate that dairy consumption does not increase cardiovascular risk or the incidence of some cancers. Even though the available evidence is not conclusive, some studies suggest that milk and its derivatives might actually be beneficial to some population segments. Although future studies will help elucidate the role of milk and dairy products in human health, their use within a balanced diet should be considered in the absence of clear contraindications.

A double-blind controlled trial was carried out to compare the effects of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and placebo on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with endogenous hypertriglyceridemias. The dose of both bile acids was four 150-mg capsules day. Total serum cholesterol levels did not show appreciable changes with any of the treatments. HDL cholesterol was significantly increased after CDCA but not after UDCA or placebo. CDCA feeding was associated with a significant decrease in serum triglyceride levels, whereas the other treatments failed to show an effect. It is concluded that UDCA does not affect serum lipid levels, whereas CDCA lowers serum triglycerides and may be useful in the treatment of endogenous hypertriglyceridemia.