Dairy May Offer Superior Blood Sugar Control Compared to Vegan Diet, Study Finds

A recent clinical trial conducted by the University of Reading and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation suggests that including dairy in a plant-based diet may provide better blood sugar stability than adopting a strict vegan regimen. Published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, the research challenges the prevailing belief that plant-only diets are universally optimal for health, highlighting the potential metabolic benefits of dairy consumption.

The study enrolled 30 healthy adults for a two-week trial, dividing them into two groups. One group followed a lacto-vegetarian diet, incorporating plant foods and dairy, while the other group adhered to a strictly vegan diet. Both groups consumed diets matched for calories, protein, and carbohydrates, with dairy being the sole variable. Participants wore continuous glucose monitors, collecting blood sugar data every 15 minutes.

Results indicated that participants on the dairy-inclusive diet exhibited lower and more stable glucose levels than those on a vegan diet. The dairy group also had elevated levels of acetyl-L-carnitine—a compound known to improve fat metabolism and reduce oxidative stress associated with high blood sugar. In contrast, the vegan group experienced more frequent blood sugar spikes and higher concentrations of phenylalanine, an amino acid previously linked to impaired glucose regulation.

Professor Vimal Karani, lead author of the study, explained, “People eating the vegan diet had more phenylalanine after meals. Excessive phenylalanine may hinder the body’s ability to process sugar. Conversely, those consuming dairy had beneficial compounds in their blood that may support stable blood sugar throughout the day.”

These findings are particularly relevant amid rising rates of diabetes and prediabetes, especially in countries like the United States. The study’s controlled design strengthens the case that specific bioactive compounds in dairy, rather than just its macronutrient composition, play an important role in managing blood sugar.

The authors note that while vegan diets have become increasingly popular, the exclusion of entire food groups such as dairy could negatively impact long-term metabolic health. In contrast to pharmaceutical interventions that often target symptoms, dietary approaches that include natural, minimally processed foods like dairy address root causes without the risk of side effects.

This research underscores the importance of dietary diversity and challenges a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. As societies grapple with guiding nutrition policy, the study advocates for evidence-based recommendations and the freedom for individuals to tailor their diets according to both scientific findings and personal needs. While a vegan diet can be healthy for many, the results suggest that incorporating dairy may offer distinct advantages for blood sugar regulation.

As discussions about plant-based eating grow more polarized, this study serves as a reminder that nutrition should prioritize individual health needs over trends or ideology.