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Health & Nutrition News Alert

May - June 2002 (Vol. 6 No. 3)

Smile – Cheese May Be a Dental Health Hero!
Dental disease remains a serious threat to children and adults, according to the Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health. A new research review looks at how foods such as milk and cheese may not only help reduce the effects of acids formed by plaque bacteria, which may cause cavities, but also can help restore the enamel that may have been lost while eating. In particular, the authors note that cheese protects against tooth decay by: helping to neutralize acid, stimulate saliva, reduce the adhesion (sticking) of bacteria to tooth enamel, reduce demineralization (breakdown of tooth enamel) and/or promote remineralization by casein (milk protein), calcium and phosphorus.

Kashket, S. and DePaola, D.P. Cheese consumption and the development and progression of dental caries. Nutrition Reviews . 2002; 60:97-103

Trio of Nutrients Provide Punch for Better Bone Health
Osteoporosis remains a significant public health problem, affecting more than 28 million Americans. Some women look for a "quick fix" by turning to a calcium supplement, but new research suggests that a trio of nutrients – calcium, protein and vitamin D – may be the best tools to help prevent brittle bones. The study, designed to determine whether supplemental calcium and vitamin D intake influence associations with protein intake and bone mineral density (BMD), gave 342 healthy men and women age 65 or older either daily calcium (500 milligrams) and vitamin D (700 IU) supplements, or a "dummy pill" for three years. Results indicated that for those who consumed low amounts of calcium, the protein had no effect on bone health, but for those with adequate calcium intake, increasing protein intake benefited bones. The researchers note that while some previous studies have suggested that high protein, particularly from animal sources, may be bad for bones, this study found that all sources of protein were beneficial when calcium intake was adequate.

Dawson-Hughes, B. and Harris, S.S. Calcium intake influences the association of protein intake with rates of bone loss in elderly men and women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . 2002; 75: 1-7

{Editor's note: While this study focuses on supplements, it is important to remember that calcium, protein and vitamin D are all found in milk. Four servings of milk per day provide the recommended amount of calcium (1,200 mg) for older adults, along with 32 gm of protein and 400 IU of vitamin D.}

Beneficial Bacteria from Yogurt May Help Battle the Bug
More than 16 million children under the age of five suffer from diarrhea each year. A new research review examined nine studies that looked at the effects of lactobacillus bacterial cultures (probiotics), such as those found in yogurt, to determine if they have possible benefits to ease gastrointestinal disorders. The results suggest that lactobacillus is a safe and effective treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, reducing both diarrhea duration and frequency. The authors note that children who are prone to diarrhea as a result of poor nutrition also have been shown to benefit from lactobacillus, which also may help serve to prevent hospitalization and other adverse outcomes.

Van Niel, C.W. et al. Lactobacillus therapy for acute infectious diarrhea in children: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics . 2002; 109: 678-684.

Breathe Easier: Dietary Magnesium and Potassium May Help
Low magnesium intake is prevalent among children and teens, and new research suggests that this dietary deficit may have a substantial impact on the lung health of millions of American children. Researchers studied the diets of 2,566 children ages 11-19 to determine the possible effects of magnesium, potassium and sodium on lung function. Results found that among participants, less than 14 percent of boys and 12 percent of girls had adequate intakes of magnesium and low magnesium intake was associated with lower measures of several lung functions (including lung capacity and airway flow). The researchers indicate that low potassium intake also may affect lung function, but the individual effects of magnesium and potassium could not be separated because high magnesium and potassium levels occur in many similar food items. Based on the growing body of evidence, the researchers suggest that consideration should be given to public health interventions to increase magnesium intake.

Gilliland, F.D. et al. Dietary magnesium, potassium, sodium and children's lung function. American Journal of Epidemiology . 2002; 155: 125-131.

{Editor's note: One 8-ounce glass of milk provides 8 percent of the Daily Value for magnesium and 11 percent of the Daily Value for potassium.}

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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.