A daily intake of three to four slices of Jarlsberg cheese may contribute to stronger bones and a reduced risk of osteoporosis, a bone-thinning condition. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Oslo conducted a study involving 57 men and women over the age of 55 who were in the early stages of osteoporosis.
Participants consumed either three slices of Jarlsberg for women or four slices for men daily over a period of 32 weeks. The study, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, observed an approximate 25 percent increase in osteocalcin levels among those who followed the Jarlsberg diet. Osteocalcin is a protein identified as crucial for maintaining strong bones.
The researchers noted that Jarlsberg cheese undergoes fermentation with a specific bacterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, which may be responsible for its bone-benefiting properties. In their report, which was not financed by any cheese manufacturers, the scientists stated that Jarlsberg "might be a beneficial part of a dietary approach to support bone health."
Osteoporosis affects approximately 3.5 million people in the UK, according to current estimates. Jarlsberg is described as a mild, creamy Norwegian cheese that shares characteristics with Swiss Emmental, including its distinct holes.