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Health & Nutrition News Alert

September - October 2000 (Vol. 4 No. 5)

Dairy Foods May Help African American Men Decrease Risk of Stroke Mortality
Besides helping to reduce high blood pressure, the potassium found in dairy foods may have another benefit for the heart. Researchers analyzed the dietary intake of 9,866 adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), administered in 1971-1975. The researchers then tracked deaths from strokes of the subjects through 1992. During the follow-up years, there were 304 stroke deaths. Stroke mortality rates were significantly higher among African American men, who overall consumed less dietary potassium than white men. Among African American men, those with the lowest potassium intakes had a 167 percent higher rate of stroke mortality than those with the highest potassium intakes.

Fang, J. et al: "Dietary potassium intake and stroke mortality." Stroke , 2000; 31: 1532-1537.

{Editor's note: Milk is a good source of potassium: each 8-ounce serving of milk provides 11 percent of the daily value for potassium. Additional research has found that the DASH diet, which calls for 3 servings of lowfat milk and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, can help reduce hypertension, particularly for African Americans.}

To help boost dietary potassium intake, try this Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

1 1/2 cups 1% lowfat milk*

1 pint lowfat vanilla yogurt

2 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced

1 1/4 cups sliced strawberries

2 tablespoons honey

12-14 ice cubes

*Can substitute lactose-free milk

In blender jar, combine milk, yogurt, bananas, strawberries and honey; add enough ice to measure 6 cups in blender. Process until smooth, scraping sides as necessary. Garnish each serving with strawberry slice and fresh mint if desired. Makes 5 servings (8 ounces each).

Nutrition Facts per 8-ounce Serving
Calories 196, Total Fat 2.38 g, Saturated Fat 1.37 g, Cholesterol 7.73 mg, Calcium 268 mg, Potassium 589 mg, Protein 8 g, Carbohydrates 37.96 g, Vitamin A 252.42 IU, Vitamin C 29.31 mg, Vitamin D 30.84 IU, Iron 0.45 mg, Sodium 104.21 mg, 25% DV Calcium, 15% DV Vitamin D, 16% DV Potassium, 6% DV Vitamin A

Dairy's Dynamic Duo May Help Prevent Falls and Fractures in Older Women
The bone building benefits of calcium and vitamin D may help older women improve their balance, therefore preventing subsequent falls and fractures. In a recent study of 145 women over the age of 70, one group was given 1200 mg of calcium and the other group was given 1200 mg calcium plus 800 IU of vitamin D. The women in the calcium and vitamin D group, when compared to those receiving calcium alone, had higher serum vitamin D levels, improved balance and lower levels of parathyroid hormone that signals bone turnover and bone loss. After one year of follow-up, 28 percent of the women in the calcium group had at least one fall, while only 16 percent of the women in the calcium and vitamin D group had at least one fall.

Pfeifer, M. et al: "Effects of a short-term vitamin D and calcium supplementation on body sway and secondary hyperparathyroidism in elderly women." Journal of Bone and Mineral Research . 2000; 15: 1113-1118.

{Editor’s note: Milk is one of the few dietary sources of both calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and may improve muscle coordination. Each 8-ounce glass of milk provides 300 mg or 30 per cent of the Daily Value of calcium and 25 per cent of the Daily Value of vitamin D.}

Consensus on CLA: It May Have Anti-Cancer Benefits
A recent research review indicates that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a component found in milk and dairy products, may slow the growth of a variety of cancers, including skin, stomach and breast cancer. In addition, research shows that CLA may also help reduce the risk of heart disease by inhibiting plaque formation on artery walls.

Kritchevsky, D.: "Antimutagenic and some other effects of conjugated linoleic acid." British Journal of Nutrition 2000, 83:459-465.

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You can rely on the National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of (ADA/DC) Nebraska for credible, up-to-date news on dairy nutrition research, public policies on nutritional issues and special dairy nutrition campaigns. Please browse the Nutrition/Health Research tab for more information. If you need addition information or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Director of Nutrition Education Jennifer Meyer at (402) 592-3355 or toll free at (888) NEB-MILK.