To Archives

Health & Nutrition News Alert

April - June 2006 (Vol. 10 No. 2)

Dairy Foods May Cut Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers from the American Cancer Society found that a higher intake of both dietary calcium and dairy foods may reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Calcium, vitamin D and dairy intakes from 68,567 postmenopausal women in the Cancer Prevention Study II were measured using a detailed diet and supplement questionnaire.  After 8-9 years of follow up, those with the highest intake of dietary calcium (>1,250 mg/day) had a 20% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those reporting the lowest dietary calcium intake (<500 mg/day). Participants who consumed 2 or more daily servings of dairy foods versus one-half serving were also shown to have a reduced risk; when those servings came from low-fat dairy foods, the risk reduction was even greater. The researchers found no association between supplemental calcium and vitamin D intake and overall breast cancer risk.

McCullough ML, et al. Dairy, Calcium, and Vitamin D Intake and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. 2005; 14 (12): 2898-2904.

{Scientific synopsis provided by Jennifer Meyer, RD, LMNT, Dairy Council of Nebraska, Inc.}

Dairy Defends Against Colorectal Cancer in Men
Swedish researchers found that calcium and dairy foods, especially milk, are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in men. This prospective study used a food questionnaire to assess the calcium and dairy food intake of 45,306 Swedish men ages 45-79 years without history of cancer and followed them for almost 7 years to track new cases of colorectal cancer.  Results showed that men with the highest calcium and dairy food intakes had a reduced risk of colorectal cancer after adjustment for other known risk factors.  Of particular interest was that milk intake alone showed benefit: men who drank at least 1½ glasses of milk per day had a 33% decreased risk compared to those who drank less than 2 glasses per week.  The authors noted that in addition to calcium, dairy foods contain conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), sphingolipids, and milk proteins which may also have a protective effect.

Larsson S, et al. Calcium and dairy food intakes are inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk in the Cohort of Swedish Men. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2006; 83 (3): 667-672.

{Scientific synopsis provided by Barbara Baron, MS, RD, CDN, American Dairy Association & Dairy Council, Inc.}

Dairy Does a Smile Good
A study published in the February issue of the Journal of Periodontology suggests that those who have higher intakes of dairy foods have a reduced risk of developing periodontitis, a serious infection that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss. The study included data from 12,764 individuals who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Participants reported their intake of all foods and beverages for a 24 hour period and then this data was categorized into levels of dairy intake. After controlling for risk factors, the participants with the highest reported intake of dairy foods were 20% less likely to have periodontitis than those with the lowest reported dairy intake. According to the author, although calcium’s role has been investigated, this is the first study to look at dairy foods and periodontitis risk. The author concluded that promoting adequate milk and dairy food intake is warranted as a cost-effective method of periodontitis prevention.

Al-Zahrani M. Increased intake of dairy products is related to lower periodontitis prevalence. Journal of Periodontology. 2006; 77: 289-294.

{Scientific synopsis provided by Jennifer Meyer, RD, LMNT, Dairy Council of Nebraska, Inc.}

Shine the Light on Vitamin D
Because vitamin D can be made by the skin upon exposure to the sun, the importance of consuming adequate dietary vitamin D is sometimes overlooked.  However, a recent paper in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shed some light on a link between poor vitamin D status and the debilitating autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS).  It is thought that by regulating immune system proteins, vitamin D may decrease inflammation, which is a major part of active autoimmune disease.  Vitamin D’s beneficial role is also being investigated in other diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and cancer.  Although vitamin D supplementation is not considered a treatment for these conditions, researchers recommend getting adequate dietary vitamin D by choosing foods such as milk, other fortified dairy foods, and fish.

Mark BL, et al. Vitamin D and autoimmune disease—Implications for practice from the multiple sclerosis literature. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006; 106:418-424.

{Editors note:  The recommended daily intake for vitamin D is 200 IU for children and adults age 50 and under, 400 IU for adults age 51-70, and 600 IU for adults over 70.  One cup of vitamin D-fortified milk contains 100 IU.  Some yogurts and cheeses are also fortified with vitamin D.}

{Scientific synopsis provided by Bonnie Johnson, MS, RD, Dairy Council of Utah/Nevada}

FAST FACT

It Takes a Village to Create Healthful Eating Habits
Recently, two separate, yet complementary statements were released that show the importance of the entire community in shaping the eating habits of America’s children.  An American Dietetic Association statement highlights new legislation mandating that all school districts participating in the US Department of Agriculture’s Child Nutrition Program (school meals) develop and implement a local wellness policy by the start of the 2006-2007 school year and calls on schools and communities to work together in this process.  Another report from the Institute of Medicine describes the state of food and beverage marketing to children and youth and the impact this exposure has on their diets and health.  The consensus of both reports is that improving the eating habits, and thus the health, of future generations requires the cooperation of the village: parents, educators, industry, media and government.

For more information on school wellness policies and how to shape the environment impacting your child’s nutrition choices, go to www.actionforhealthykids.org and www.nutritionexplorations.org.

ADA Reports. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Local Support for Nutrition Integrity in Schools. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006; 106: 122-133.
 
Institute of Medicine. Food Marketing to Children and Youth: Threat or Opportunity? December 2005. http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3788/21939/31330.aspx.

{Scientific synopsis provided by Bonnie Johnson, MS, RD, Dairy Council of Utah/Nevada}

###

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.