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Health & Nutrition News Alert

July - August 2000 (Vol. 4 No. 4)

Teens, Don’t Forget to Drink Your Milk
A recent study raises concern that teens may not be getting the nutrients they need to help build strong bones. Researchers looked at the relationship between soft drink consumption and fracture risk in 460 teens. The results showed active teens who consumed more soft drinks were at a higher risk for fractures compared to those who did not consume as many soft drinks. The authors note that teen soft drink consumption has doubled (and possibly tripled) while milk consumption has decreased. Additionally, they mention that while low bone mineral density, or incidence of fracture may be due to a combination of genetic, hormonal or environmental factors, diet may also be related.

Wyshak, G. "Teenaged Girls, Carbonated Beverage Consumption, and Bone Fractures," Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, June 2000, 154: 610-613.

{Editor’s note: Milk is a great source of nine essential nutrients including calcium, which has been linked to helping increase bone mineral density and keeping bones strong.}

Is Your Child a Calcium Superstar? You May Need to Think Again
A new study reveals as kids grow older, the nutrient content of their diets often decline. By following the eating patterns of children from third to eighth grade, researchers from the University of Minnesota found kids’ dairy, vegetable and fruit consumption declines with age, while their consumption of fats and sodium increases - putting them at risk for diseases such as osteoporosis and childhood obesity. Daily milk consumption dropped from 2.5 times a day in third grade to less than 1.9 times a day in eighth grade. However, soft drink consumption more than tripled between the two grades, most often replacing milk and fruit juice.

Lytle, L.A., et al: "How do children’s eating patterns and food choice change over time? Results from a cohort study," American Journal of Health Prom otion 2000; 14: 222-228.

{Editor’s note: The National Academy of Science recommends children ages 9-18 consume 1,300 mg of calcium a day or the equivalent of four servings of milk, cheese or yogurt.}

Milking A Healthy Smile
Helping to keep healthy teeth may be as easy as getting three a day of dairy! New research shows there may be a link between high calcium intake and lower risk of periodontal or gum disease. Researchers analyzed the diets of more than 13,000 participants and divided them into three categories defined by their calcium intake: low (2 to 499 mg), moderate (500 to 799 mg), and high (more than 800 mg). The results found females with low calcium intakes had a 54 percent greater risk for gum disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss, compared to those individuals with high calcium intakes.

Nishida, et. al: "Calcium and risk for periodontal disease" The Journal of Periodontology 2000; 71.

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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.