Association Between Frequency of Childhood Milk Intake and Adult Lung Function

ABSTRACT

Early‐life nutrition may be associated with subsequent lung function, but evidence regarding milk consumption at different life stages remains limited. We examined the associations between milk consumption frequency during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood and adult lung function. Data from 3935 adults aged ≥ 20 years in NHANES 2007–2012 were analyzed. Milk consumption frequency was retrospectively assessed for ages 5–12, 13–17, and 18–35 years. Survey‐weighted multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate associations with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC, adjusting for relevant covariates. More frequent milk consumption at ages 5–12 years was associated with higher adult FEV1 and FVC. Compared with participants who never consumed milk, those who consumed milk often had higher FEV1 ( β  = 230 mL, 95% CI: 46–414; p  = 0.016) and FVC ( β  = 324 mL, 95% CI: 120–529; p  = 0.003) after adjustment. Milk consumption at ages 13–17 and 18–35 years was not significantly associated with FEV1 or FVC. No significant association was observed with FEV1/FVC. More frequent milk consumption at ages 5–12 years was associated with higher FEV1 and FVC in adulthood. These findings suggest that the association between milk consumption and adult lung function may vary according to the timing of exposure. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.