The Claim

The rs4988235 genetic variant associated with lactase persistence is correlated with higher reported consumption of non-fermented milk but shows no significant association with increased mortality risk.

Source: Dairy Consumption, Lactase Persistence, and Mortality Risk in a Cohort From Southern Sweden

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
60score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

People with a specific genetic variant that allows them to digest milk into adulthood tend to report drinking more non-fermented milk, but this genetic trait is not linked to a higher risk of death.

See the scientific wording

Lactase persistence, as determined by the rs4988235 genetic variant, is associated with higher reported consumption of non-fermented milk but not with significantly increased mortality risk, suggesting that genetic predisposition to milk consumption does not independently drive mortality outcomes.

Why this might work

People with a genetic variant that lets them digest milk sugar into adulthood drink more milk, but their bodies process it normally without triggering harmful metabolic changes that could shorten life.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Dairy Consumption, Lactase Persistence, and Mortality Risk in a Cohort From Southern Sweden

    People who can digest milk easily drink more milk, but this study shows they don’t die any sooner than others — so drinking milk because of your genes doesn’t seem to shorten your life.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.