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Friday, 25th August 2023
For many years, conventional wisdom has touted the benefits of milk for growth and bone health. Many parents around the globe urge their children to consume milk, often under the assumption that it may boost height. Indeed, observational data have suggested a correlation between nations with high milk consumption and taller average heights of their citizens. This article seeks to explore this connection and evaluate the scientific rationale behind such claims.
Before delving into global patterns, it's essential to understand the constituents of milk that might support growth:
Reference: U.S. National Institutes of Health. (2019). Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age.
A cursory look at global patterns shows a fascinating correlation:
Reference: Grasgruber, P., Sebera, M., Hrazdira, E., Cacek, J., & Kalina, T. (2016). Major correlates of male height: A study of 105 countries. Economics & Human Biology, 21, 172-195.
While the correlation seems evident, it's essential to account for confounding variables:
Reference: NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). (2016). A century of trends in adult human height. eLife, 5, e13410.
Some specific studies delving into the link between milk and height include:
Reference: Hoppe, C., Mølgaard, C., & Michaelsen, K. F. (2009). Cow's milk and linear growth in industrialized and developing countries. Annual Review of Nutrition, 26(1), 131-173.
However, as with all scientific endeavors, there's a need for caution:
There appears to be a correlation between higher milk consumption rates in nations and taller average heights of their citizens. However, while milk undoubtedly offers nutrients beneficial for growth, it is just one of many factors affecting height on a population level. Genetics, overall nutrition, economic factors, and healthcare access play equally, if not more, significant roles in determining average heights across nations.
As science continues to explore this relationship, it's crucial to approach such correlations with a balanced perspective, considering the myriad factors at play.