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11/20/08
Arnold Schwarzenegger was once asked by a reporter if he drank milk. After all, milk supposedly “does a body good” and is required for strong mind, body, and bones, as we have all been conditioned to believe. Arnold’s quick response was something along the lines of, “Milk is for babies – I drink beer!”
Even back in 1975, he might have been onto something. A new debate is raging in the bodybuilding nutrition world, one which affects all bodybuilders – but users of anabolic steroids most particularly. It seems that studies have shown an 11% increased risk of prostate cancer in men who consume high levels of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and cottage cheese. This goes against the USDA recommendations which suggest men should consume at least three cups of milk (or equivalent dairy products) per day.
As with all things in science and medicine, the good guys in white lab coats sometimes get things wrong. 500 years ago, scientists “knew” that the sun and rest of the universe revolved around the earth. Science, of course, proved them wrong many years later. Men of science and research hold a high responsibility to adapt their thinking on certain topics when new information becomes available. And this might just be one of those times!
Men experience prostate growth during puberty, which stops around age 20. For the next twenty years, they don’t have to worry about prostate health. Unless, of course, they are users of AAS, in which case prostate growth and the possibility of tumors is a concern. Once all men reach 40, their prostate begins growing once again, and continues growing for the rest of their lives. Since prostate cancer is the #2 cancer killer in men, it’s a very serious concern for men to be aware of. If milk and other dairy products high in calcium are increasing the risk for the very common and deadly disease, should men really be consuming three cups daily?
Time will tell which direction this debate will take, and it may be several years or even decades before the USDA recommendations change to reflect the new information. All you can do is consider your own dairy intake, especially if you use anabolic steroids and/or are over the age of 40. Take care of yourself. Keep in mind that science and medicine research often takes years to prove what many people already know. And finally, remember that milk might not always do a body good.
