Is Brie Cheese an Anti-Inflammatory? Separating Fact from Dairy Myths

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies suggest that dairy products, when consumed by individuals without sensitivities, have a neutral to beneficial effect on inflammation. The question, 'Is Brie cheese an anti-inflammatory?' is complex, as its potential benefits stem from specific compounds like probiotics and conjugated linoleic acid, which must be weighed against its high saturated fat content.

Quick Summary

The anti-inflammatory effects of Brie cheese are debated, with some evidence pointing to beneficial compounds like conjugated linoleic acid and probiotics from the ripening process. However, these effects depend on individual health, moderation, and overall diet, as sensitivities and saturated fat can be countervailing factors.

Key Points

Contains Probiotics: Brie's fermentation process introduces live bacterial cultures that can promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to reduced systemic inflammation.
Source of CLA: Ripened cheeses like Brie naturally contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that studies have associated with anti-inflammatory properties.
Balance is Crucial: Despite beneficial compounds, Brie is high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Individual Sensitivities Matter: For people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, Brie can be inflammatory and should be avoided.
Dairy Context is Key: The overall effect of dairy on inflammation depends on the 'dairy matrix' of nutrients and the individual's health status.
Choose Quality: Opting for grass-fed Brie can potentially offer higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, including omega-3s.
Pair with Purpose: To maximize its benefits, pair Brie with other anti-inflammatory foods like berries, nuts, or whole grains.

The reputation of cheese and dairy, in general, has been a source of much debate in the nutritional world. For years, dairy was viewed with suspicion due to its saturated fat content, which was historically linked to heart disease and inflammation. Today, however, research has become more nuanced, revealing that the relationship between dairy and inflammation is not so black and white. Soft, ripened cheeses like Brie contain several interesting components that may offer anti-inflammatory properties, but this depends on a variety of factors, including the individual's specific health and how the cheese is produced.

The Case for Brie: Potential Anti-inflammatory Compounds

Brie cheese is more than just a rich, creamy indulgence; it's a fermented food packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds. These can contribute to its potential anti-inflammatory profile, provided it is enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Probiotics and Gut Health

As a fermented cheese, Brie contains live bacterial cultures that are considered probiotics. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for regulating systemic inflammation, and consuming probiotic-rich foods can help foster a balanced gut flora. In fact, some studies show that fermented dairy products have a stronger anti-inflammatory effect compared to their non-fermented counterparts. By supporting a healthy intestinal barrier, these probiotics may help prevent bacteria and other inflammatory triggers from entering the bloodstream.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

During its ripening process, Brie and other aged cheeses develop conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring fatty acid. CLA has been extensively researched for its health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The amount of CLA can be influenced by the cow's diet, with higher levels found in cheese from grass-fed animals.

Antioxidants and Other Nutrients

Brie also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health and immune function. It is a good source of Vitamin A, which has potent antioxidant abilities that help protect against cellular damage from free radicals. Selenium, another powerful antioxidant, is also present in Brie.

The Counterargument: Balancing the Evidence

While Brie contains beneficial compounds, it is not a universally anti-inflammatory food. Several factors must be considered to understand its full nutritional impact.

Saturated Fat and Overall Moderation

Brie is high in calories and saturated fat. While recent research has provided a more nuanced perspective on dairy saturated fat, suggesting it's not as harmful as once thought, excessive intake of any high-fat food can be problematic. Most nutrition experts emphasize that the key to enjoying cheese, including Brie, is moderation. The overall dietary context—what you eat with the Brie—is more important than the cheese itself.

Individual Sensitivities

For a subset of the population, dairy is genuinely inflammatory. This includes individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy (casein or whey) or lactose intolerance. In these cases, consuming Brie would provoke an inflammatory immune response, leading to symptoms like gastrointestinal distress, skin issues, or other allergic reactions. It is crucial for those with known sensitivities to avoid dairy or consult a healthcare professional.

Brie vs. Other Cheeses: An Anti-inflammatory Comparison

Choosing cheese for an anti-inflammatory diet often depends on specific goals and individual tolerance. Here is how Brie stacks up against other popular cheeses with anti-inflammatory potential.


Feature	Brie Cheese	Grass-fed Goat Cheese	Feta Cheese	Fresh Mozzarella	Aged Gouda
Primary Anti-inflammatory Traits	Probiotics (fermented), CLA (ripening).	A2 casein, lower in alpha-s1-casein, rich in MCFAs.	Fermented, contains probiotics from sheep's or goat's milk.	Probiotics, lower in saturated fat than aged cheeses.	Fermented, probiotics added during production.
Saturated Fat Profile	High. Moderation is key for calorie control.	Lower than cow's milk cheese, easier to digest for some.	Made from sheep or goat's milk; relatively low fat.	Low saturated fat, especially compared to aged cheeses.	Made from cow's milk; contains probiotics from fermentation.
Notes for Inflammation	Beneficial for those without sensitivities; contains CLA and probiotics.	Often tolerated better by those with cow's milk sensitivity.	Probiotic-rich from goat/sheep milk; complements Mediterranean diet.	A good low-fat, probiotic option; pair with anti-inflammatory foods.	Aged fermentation introduces beneficial bacteria; pair with fiber.

How to Incorporate Brie into an Anti-inflammatory Diet

For those without sensitivities, Brie can be a delightful addition to an anti-inflammatory eating pattern, but the key is mindful consumption.

Practice moderation: A small serving (1-2 ounces) is sufficient to enjoy the flavor without overdoing the saturated fat and calorie intake.
Pair smartly: Combine Brie with anti-inflammatory foods like fresh berries, apples, or whole-grain crackers to create a balanced snack that offers more fiber and antioxidants.
Opt for quality: If your budget allows, choose high-quality or grass-fed Brie. These versions may have higher concentrations of beneficial compounds like omega-3 fatty acids and CLA.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body reacts after consumption. If you notice any inflammatory symptoms like bloating or digestive upset, it may indicate a sensitivity.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Brie and Inflammation

So, is Brie cheese an anti-inflammatory? The answer is that it's complicated. While the presence of probiotics and CLA offers a potential anti-inflammatory benefit, this is contingent upon individual tolerance and overall dietary context. For most people without dairy sensitivities, consuming Brie in moderation is unlikely to cause inflammation and may even contribute positively due to its beneficial compounds. However, it is not a potent anti-inflammatory food on its own. For those managing chronic inflammation, a broader approach focusing on whole foods, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats is the most effective strategy. Ultimately, Brie can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, but its role is more of a contributing player than a star anti-inflammatory hero.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people without a dairy allergy or intolerance, Brie cheese does not cause inflammation when consumed in moderation. In fact, its probiotic content and beneficial fatty acids may have a neutral to slightly anti-inflammatory effect. However, for those with sensitivities, it can trigger an inflammatory response.

Brie cheese contains two key compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects: probiotics, which are live cultures from its fermentation process, and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a fatty acid formed during the ripening process.

Whether Brie is 'better' depends on individual needs. While it contains beneficial probiotics and CLA, other cheeses like goat cheese (lower in inflammatory casein) and grass-fed varieties (higher in omega-3s) may offer different anti-inflammatory advantages.

Yes, you can eat Brie cheese on an anti-inflammatory diet, provided you do not have a dairy sensitivity. The key is to consume it in moderation and balance its intake with plenty of other anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

CLA, or Conjugated Linoleic Acid, is a type of healthy fat found in dairy, particularly in aged cheeses. It has been shown in some studies to have anti-inflammatory and other beneficial metabolic effects.

Not necessarily. Fermented dairy, including cheese, typically contains probiotics that can have a neutral to beneficial effect on inflammation for most individuals. However, for those with dairy allergies, it will still be inflammatory.

Choosing grass-fed Brie is a good idea. Cheese from grass-fed cows tends to have higher levels of anti-inflammatory compounds like omega-3 fatty acids and CLA, offering a potentially healthier profile.

The 'dairy matrix' refers to the complex structure of nutrients in dairy products. Research suggests that how these components interact within the food, rather than as isolated ingredients, may modify the effect of dairy on inflammation.