Cheese, Heart Health, and Strong Bones: What the Latest Science Shows

At Ingredient Solutions, we are proud to supply the cheese ingredients that help manufacturers deliver great-tasting products — but we’re equally passionate about the science that underpins dairy’s role in nutrition.

A major new umbrella review published in Nutrients (2025) — “Dairy Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular and Bone Health Outcomes in Adults” (Vol. 17, Article 2723) — brings together findings from dozens of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Its focus: the impact of dairy consumption on heart health and bone strength.

What the Research Found

Heart health: Cheese consumption was associated with a 10–14% lower risk of coronary heart disease in pooled analyses. Unlike butter and high-fat milk, fermented dairy products like cheese and yogurt consistently showed neutral to protective associations with cardiovascular outcomes.
Bone strength: Dairy intake was linked to a 25–30% reduced risk of hip fractures and improvements in bone mineral density. The high-quality protein, calcium, and phosphorus found in cheese make it a reliable ally for strong bones.
The dairy difference: The type of dairy matters. Fermented dairy stood out as offering health benefits, while non-fermented high-fat products showed more mixed results.

Why This Matters for Cheese

For Ingredient Solutions and our partners, this research reinforces the value of cheese as a nutrient-dense food that can play a positive role in consumer health.

Cheese as functional food: Rich in protein and essential minerals, cheese supports bone strength while delivering great taste.
Heart-friendly positioning: The evidence strengthens the case for promoting cheese as part of a balanced diet without the stigma often attached to dairy fat.
Innovation opportunities: Reduced-fat or fortified cheese options can further align with modern health trends, while clean-label approaches enhance consumer trust.

Our Take

Cheese is more than an indulgence — it’s a smart nutritional choice. At Ingredient Solutions, we bridge science and application, helping our customers bring products to market that not only deliver on flavour but also contribute meaningfully to heart health and bone strength.

Full Citation

This blog is based on:
“Dairy Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular and Bone Health Outcomes in Adults – An Umbrella Review.”
Authors: Dalia G. Mikhail, Susanna C. Larsson, and Kostas K. Tsilidis.
Published in Nutrients, 2025; 17(5): 2723.
DOI: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12430323/pdf/nutrients-17-02723.pdf