Non-fat milk attenuates acute hypertriglyceridemia in obese individuals who consume a high fat diet: A randomized control trial

Background

Repeated exposure to elevated postprandial triglycerides, as seen with typical Western diets, contributes to atherosclerosis and vascular disease. We determined if a single serving of non-fat milk added to a high fat tolerance test could attenuate postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in individuals who consume a high fat diet.

Methods

In this placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover experimental study, 30 overweight/obese adults consumed a high-fat tolerance test meal combined with either non-fat milk, carbohydrate control drink, or caloric control drink.

Results

Plasma triglycerides increased over time with no significant differences between interventions. Peak plasma triglyceride levels during HFTT were significantly related to dietary fat intake (r = 0.30, p < 0.05). When participants were divided into tertiles based on habitual dietary fat intake, the higher fat diet group exhibited reduced triglyceride net integrated area under the curve when supplemented with non-fat milk. No significant differences in hemodynamic measures (brachial flow-mediated dilation and femoral vascular conductance) were observed between the milk and caloric control trials for either the low fat or high fat diet groups.

Conclusions

A single serving of non-fat milk may attenuate acute hypertriglyceridemia in individuals who chronically consume a high fat diet, offering a simple and easily implemented option for managing elevations in postprandial triglycerides.