The Dose What's the skinny on whole milk?
Jan 29, 2026
Caroline Richard, registered dietitian and nutrition professor researching diet and the immune system, discusses milk’s role in health. She covers the US shift toward full-fat dairy, Canada’s lower-fat guidance, fortification versus plant milks, lactose intolerance signs, and age-based recommendations. Conversations focus on evidence (or lack thereof) about fat content, historical low-fat messaging, and practical milk choices.
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U.S. Guidelines Shift On Whole Milk
- Recent U.S. guidelines now say whole milk can be part of a healthy diet and shift focus away from low-fat mandates.
- Caroline Richard says evidence shows little difference in health outcomes between skim and whole milk.
Low-Fat Era Drove Sugar Replacement
- The low-fat push in past decades led industry to replace fat with sugar to keep taste.
- Caroline Richard warns that swapping fat for sugar created new public health problems.
Use Milk For Bone Health
- Use milk for calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, especially via fortified milk.
- Caroline Richard notes milk is nutrient-dense and linked to neutral or beneficial effects on blood pressure.