Abstract
Strong demand for dairy products has led to a global increase in dairy production. In many parts of the world, dairy systems are undergoing rapid intensification. While increased production may contribute to food security, higher dairy stocking rates in some regions have resulted in increased pressure on natural resources with the potential to affect public health and wellbeing. The aim of this review was to identify and describe the potential health harms and benefits associated with dairy production and consumption. Electronic databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for published literature that investigated human health impacts of dairy production and consumption. Occupational hazards, environmental health impacts, ecosystem health impacts, foodborne hazards, and diet‐related chronic diseases were identified as potential public health hazards. Some impacts, notably climate change, extend beyond directly exposed populations. Dairy production and consumption are also associated with important health benefits through the provision of nutrients and economic opportunities. As the global dairy sector increases production, exposure to a range of hazards must be weighed with these benefits. The review of impacts presented here can provide an input into decision making about optimal levels of dairy production and consumption, local land use, and identification and management of specific hazards from this sector. Future research should consider multiple exposure routes, socioeconomic implications, and environmental factors, particularly in regions heavily dependent on dairy farming.
Highlights
Dairy production and consumption can have both positive and negative human health effects (Hawkes & Ruel, 2006)
Occupational hazards, environmental health impacts, ecosystem health impacts, foodborne hazards, and diet‐related chronic diseases were identified as potential public health hazards
Structure of Review This review examines the potential health harms and benefits associated with dairy production, as well as effects related to the consumption of dairy products (Figure 1)
Summary
Dairy production and consumption can have both positive and negative human health effects (Hawkes & Ruel, 2006). Dairy products are major sources of high‐quality protein and bioavailable nutrients (e.g., calcium) (IFPRI, Todd, et al, 2006). Dairy production can contribute to local‐, regional‐, and national‐level economies and provide opportunities for employment and income generation (IFPRI, Hawkes, et al, 2006), which are critical determinants of health (Marmot et al, 2008). A number of potential health harms associated with dairy production and consumption have been identified, including diet‐related chronic diseases, environmental change, foodborne hazards, occupational hazards, and zoonotic diseases (Horrigan et al, 2002; IFPRI, Hawkes, et al, 2006; Kimman et al, 2013; WHO, 1992).
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