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Health & Nutrition News Alert

May - June 2001 (Vol. 5 No. 3)

Calcium Tips the Scales in Kids' Favor
Obesity is a growing problem among American children today and a new study reveals dairy foods may help kids fight the battle of the bulge. Researchers analyzed the diets of preschool children over a 3-year period and found children with higher dairy/calcium intake, had lower body fat than those children with lower dairy/calcium intakes. These results are supported by a growing body of research on adults showing a connection between dairy food consumption and weight loss.

Three Servings of Dairy A Day May Help Keep the Dentist Away
New research provides further evidence that your diet can help keep your pearly whites and gums healthy. In this study, females had a 54 percent greater risk for periodontal disease when they had low calcium intakes (2 to 499 mg daily) and a 27 percent greater risk with moderate intakes (500 to 799 mg daily) compared to those women who had the highest calcium intakes (above 800 mg daily) of the three groups. Another recent research review looked at how nutrition affects dental health. The authors note that choosing foods high in calcium and eating low acid-producing foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt may help prevent cavities. They also indicate cheese may have a protective effect on teeth by stimulating saliva flow and providing protein, calcium and phosphorous which neutralizes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

[Editor's note: The National Academy of Sciences recommends that adults consume 1,000 mg of calcium a day which equals three 8-ounce servings of milk.]

Milk is More than Meets the Eye
When it comes to health benefits, dairy does double duty! A new research review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reinforces the critical role dairy plays in good health. The review highlights numerous studies linking calcium and dairy intake to the reduced risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, colon cancer, kidney stones and obesity. The researchers also note that many Americans are falling short of meeting their calcium recommendations. They highlight the importance of getting calcium from foods first such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which provide eight additional essential nutrients and improve the nutritional quality of the diet.

Miller, GD. et. al. The importance of meeting calcium needs with food. American College of Nutrition 2001; 20: 168S-185S.

• Fondue is back! Think cheese pots went out with bell-bottoms and shag carpets? Wrong! Cheese fondue makes for a great party snack to go with bread or vegetables and helps provide bone-strengthening calcium.
  
• Smooth Move. Fruit smoothies are all the rage, and what better time to make one than with the start of the summer season. For a protein punch, make your smoothie with lowfat milk.
  
• That's a wrap. Does it seem like your favorite sandwich has taken a different shape? Burritos and wrap sandwiches are perfect for those who are on the go. Experiment with different combinations of fresh veggies and lowfat cheese.

Did You Know that May is National Osteoporosis Month?
In fact, the National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement regarding the prevention of osteoporosis. The statement concluded that adequate calcium and vitamin D intakes are critical during the key bone-building years; these nutrients continue to be important throughout life. Milk can help make a difference by providing 30 percent of the Daily Value of calcium and 25 percent of the Daily Value of vitamin D you need in one 8-ounce glass.

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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.