Mindre risiko for diabetes med melkeprodukter?

Forskere på Harvard University har funnet en naturlig substans i melkefett som kan redusere risikoen for type 2 diabetes signifikant. Fettsyren , trans-palmitoleic acid, er en fettsyre som finnes i vanlig ost, melk, yoghurt og smør. Den produseres ikke i kroppen, så den må tilføres via kostholdet, altså via slike melkeprodukter.

"The HSPH researchers examined 3,736 participants in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded Cardiovascular Health Study, who have been followed for 20 years in an observational study to evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in older adults. Metabolic risk factors such as blood glucose and insulin levels, and also levels of circulating blood fatty acids, including trans-palmitoleic acid, were measured using stored blood samples in 1992, and participants were followed for development of type 2 diabetes.
At baseline, higher circulating levels of trans-palmitoleic acid were associated with healthier levels of blood cholesterol, inflammatory markers, insulin levels, and insulin sensitivity, after adjustment for other risk factors. During follow-up, individuals with higher circulating levels of trans-palmitoleic acid had a much lower risk of developing diabetes, with about a 60% lower risk among participants in the highest quintile (fifth) of trans-palmitoleic acid levels, compared to individuals in the lowest quintile.
"This type of observational finding requires confirmation in additional observational studies and controlled trials, but the magnitude of this association is striking," said Mozaffarian, lead author of the study. "This represents an almost three-fold difference in risk of developing diabetes among individuals with the highest blood levels of this fatty acid." 
This is an extremely strong protective effect, stronger than other things we know can be beneficial against diabetes."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220200000.htm