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Health & Nutrition News Alert

July - August 2002 (Vol. 6 No. 4)

Milk’s Nutrient Package Provides Best Bone-Building Combination
A growing number of studies suggest milk offers superior bone-building benefits compared to supplements. One new study conducted in China found that adolescent girls who drank milk had denser bones compared to those who drank little or no milk. Researchers examined the relationship between milk consumption and bone mineral density (BMD) in 649 Chinese girls, aged 12 to 14 years. After accounting for all the factors that could affect BMD, the results indicated that milk was the only food group with a significant positive effect on BMD. Milk drinking was a better nutritional determinant of bone mineral content than intake of any single nutrient alone. The authors conclude that the positive effects of milk on BMD was most likely related to its integration of several nutrients, particularly vitamin D, calcium and protein.

Du, X.Q. et al. Milk consumption and bone mineral content in Chinese adolescent girls. Bone. 2002; 30: 521-528.

Milk Offers a Better Balance of Nutrients for Bones
Milk is a rich source of both calcium and phosphorus -- a duo of nutrients important for building bone. According to a new study, the widespread use of calcium fortified foods combined with the increased popularity of calcium supplements (many of which do not contain phosphorus) may lead to a phosphorus deficiency, particularly in the elderly, who have the lowest phosphorus intakes. Increasing calcium intake without a corresponding increase in phosphorus intake decreases the amount of phosphorus absorbed, which could be detrimental to bones. Researchers calculated phosphorus absorption at different calcium and phosphorus intakes among nearly 300 men and women. Results showed increasing calcium intake at a given phosphorus intake, decreases the amount of phosphorus absorbed. To maximize bone density, the study suggests a combination of calcium and phosphorus is preferable.

Heaney, R.P. and Nordin, B.E. Calcium effects on phosphorus absorption: implications for the prevention and co-therapy of osteoporosis. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2002; 21: 239-244.

{Editor’s note: One 8-ounce glass of milk provides 30 percent of the Daily Value for calcium and 20 percent of the Daily Value for phosphorus – offering an ideal bone-building combination in one convenient package.}

Snack Attacks Can Help Fuel Nutrient Needs
Don’t ditch the after-school munchies – new research shows that a lowfat after-school snack may improve the overall nutritional quality of children’s’ diets. Over a four-week period, researchers gave 67 sixth grade students (11 to 12 years of age) an after-school snack consisting of 8 ounces of lowfat, fortified ice cream to determine if it would affect daily fat and energy intake. A secondary purpose was to determine if the snack had an affect on daily intakes of sodium, calcium and iron. Results showed that during the period the children consumed the lowfat after-school snack, total daily protein, iron and calcium intakes significantly increased, while total daily fat intake decreased. The authors suggest that, “dietitians should encourage parents to provide healthful snack choices to their children and should work with school food service administrators to ensure that healthful snacks are provided at schools.”

Deanna Rose, a registered dietitian for the National Dairy Council offers the following suggestions for quick and easy after-school snacks that kids will love:

• Mix It With Milk! – Invite kids to create their own milk flavor by adding ingredients such as flavored syrups, marshmallows, apple sauce and fruit to their milk.
  
• Slice It up! – Slice cheese and finger sandwiches with fun shaped cookie cutters.
  
• Yogurt on the Go! – Yogurt now comes in convenient grab and go squeeze tubes – perfect for after-school, sports or dance practice. You can even throw them in the freezer for hot summer days.

Sullivan, D.K et al. A low-fat afterschool snack improves the nutritional quality of elementary school children’s diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2002; 102: 707-709.

Danger: Teen Dieting May Cause Nutrient Shortfall
Despite the prevalence of obesity in our nation, the desire to be thin is still a reality among teenage girls. Dieting may lead to nutritional inadequacies during this important time for growth and development. A new study looked at 333 rural, white middle-class girls aged 8 to 17 and found that more than half reported one or more weight concerns and reported dieting “sometimes” or “very often” – a pattern that increased with age. The research also found that 87 percent of girls aged 11 to 17 failed to meet two-thirds of the recommended level for one or more nutrients and 11 percent were judged to have inadequate diets based on a mean adequacy ratio (MAR). Nearly half (43 percent) did not consume adequate calcium and 39 percent did not consume enough magnesium – essential nutrients for proper bone growth and development, which are found in milk, cheese and yogurt.

Packard, P. and Krogstand K.S. Half of rural girls aged 8 to 17 years report weight concerns and dietary changes, with both more prevalent with increased age. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2002; 102: 672-677.

Impulse Research Corporation Body Image Survey conducted on behalf of the National Dairy Council, February 2002.

{Editor’s note: A recent survey of teens and tweens showed that tweens consider outward appearances such as clothes (54 percent), hair (52 percent) and clear skin (48 percent) more important that eating nutritious foods. For more information, go to www.nationaldairycouncil.org}

FAST FACTS

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Couch Potato Patterns May Lead to Poor Bone Health
In a new report on physical activity, nutrition and bone health, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) warns that inadequate diets and too little exercise may lead to poor bone health. Although most adults know the importance of physical activity, 60 percent are not regularly active (participating in weight bearing activities such as weight training, walking, running, tennis or gymnastics) and 25 percent are not active at all. Additionally, the report notes that eating patterns may also negatively affect bones, including skipping major sources of bone building nutrients such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which provide nutrients like phosphorus, protein and vitamin D.

International Food Information Council, IFIC Review: Physical Activity, Nutrition and Bone Health, www.ific.org.

Additional Research of Interest

• Missmer S.A., et al. Meat and dairy food consumption and breast cancer: a pooled analysis of cohort studies. International Journal of Epidemiology. 2002; 31: 78-85.
  
• Uusi-Rasi K, et al. High calcium intake and weight maintenance preserve bone in young women. Osteoporosis International. 2002; 13: 211-217.
  
• Perry CL, et al. Adolescent vegetarians: How well do their dietary patterns meet the Healthy People 2010 objectives? Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. 2002; 156: 431-437.

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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.