Press Releases

Nutrition & Health News Alert (October/November/December 2006)

AAP Recommends Dairy for Children with Lactose Intolerance

A new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report released in the September issue of Pediatrics recommends that children with lactose intolerance include dairy foods as part of a healthy diet in order to get enough calcium, vitamin D, protein and other nutrients essential for bone health and overall growth. The report cautions that lactose intolerance should not require total avoidance of dairy foods and cites research indicating that many children who are sensitive to lactose can drink small amounts of milk without discomfort, especially when consumed with other foods. Dairy foods that are often well tolerated include hard cheese, such as Cheddar or Swiss, yogurt containing live active cultures, and lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk.  For those who are unable to consume dairy foods, non-dairy food sources can be an alternative source of calcium and vitamin D, but these products do not offer the same total nutrient package and benefits of dairy foods.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Lactose intolerance in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2006; 118 (3):1279-1286.

Editor’s Note: In some people, the lactase enzyme which enables people to digest lactose (milk sugar), may begin to decline in childhood.  Lactose intolerance is a clinical syndrome with one or more of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and/or bloating after the ingestion of lactose or lactose-containing foods. The occurrence/severity of the above symptoms is dependant on the amount of lactose consumed, the degree of lactase deficiency, and the types of lactose-containing foods consumed.

Weighty Consequences for Kids Who Skimp on Dairy

Results from the Framingham Children’s Study show that children ages 3-6 with the lowest daily intakes of dairy gained significantly more body fat throughout childhood than their peers who consumed adequate amounts of dairy.  Research looked at the dairy intakes (from diet records) of 99 children ages 3-6 enrolled in the Framingham Children’s Study and followed their height, weight, and measures of body fat into adolescence.  In addition to gaining more body fat, children with the lowest dairy intakes (<1.25 servings/day for girls, <1.7 servings/day for boys) at ages 3-6 had a higher body mass index (BMI) by the time they reached early adolescence (ages 10-13), putting them at higher risk of becoming overweight adults.  Although body fat was lowest in children consuming the most dairy foods, regardless of fat level, the lowest body fat was seen in adolescents who consumed 1¾ servings or more per day of reduced-fat dairy foods.  Since the beneficial relationship between dairy intake and BMI/body fat were not explained by calcium or magnesium intake, other components in dairy foods may play a role in body weight/fat regulation.  The authors conclude that young children who fail to meet dairy recommendations may have the added risk of gaining excess body fat.

Moore, LL, et al.  Low dairy intake in early childhood predicts excess body fat gain. Obesity. 2006; 14: 1010-1018.

Editor’s Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends three age-appropriate servings of dairy per day for children ages 1-8 and four servings of dairy per day for those 9-18 years of age, to meet calcium recommendations.

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

Dairy Intake May Benefit Adolescent Hearts

A recent study showed that adolescents who consume more dairy foods and grains have lower blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults.  This study examined the relationship between homocysteine levels and intake of foods rich in several vitamins (folate, B6, and B12).  Adequate intakes of these nutrients are required to prevent abnormal levels of homocysteine from building up in the blood.  The researchers used food frequency questionnaires to assess the diets of 2,695 adolescents (15-20 years old) enrolled in the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health.  After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors and intakes of other food groups, higher intakes of dairy foods and grains were associated with significantly lower homocysteine levels.  This relationship seems to be at least partially explained by the folate and B vitamin content of these foods.  The researchers conclude that both whole grains and dairy foods are rich in nutrients that may help lower homocysteine levels and note that their findings are consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods such as low-fat or fat-free dairy foods, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

Lutsey P, et al. Serum homocysteine is related to food intake in adolescents: the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2006; 83: 1380-1386.

Editor’s Note: 3 cups of milk provide nearly 40% of the daily value for vitamin B12.

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

Low Energy Density = High Diet Quality

According to researchers, U.S. adults who consume low-energy-density diets (fewer calories per gram of food), have lower overall calorie intakes and higher diet quality compared to those who consume higher-energy-density diets.  The researchers looked at the food intakes of 7,500 adults participating in the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and classified the individuals into low, medium, or high-energy-density diets.  Men and women with low-energy-density diets consumed approximately 425 and 250 fewer calories a day, respectively, compared to those with high-energy-density diets.  Those with lower-energy-density diets also tended to consume more fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and lean protein, and had more favorable nutrient intakes (less fat, more vitamins A, B-6, C, folate, iron, calcium, and potassium) than their high-energy-density counterparts.  The authors noted that consuming a low-energy-density diet is consistent in many ways with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the recommended Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which encourage intake of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods.  Lowering energy-density with increased fruit, vegetable, and low-fat dairy, grain, and lean protein intake may be an effective way to reduce overall calorie intake while improving diet quality.  

Ledikwe JH, et al.  Low energy-density diets are associated with high diet quality in adults in the United States.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006; 106: 1172-1180.

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

FAST FACT: American Heart Association Recommendations Call for Americans to Establish Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Habits

In the June issue of Circulation, the American Heart Association (AHA) released new diet and lifestyle recommendations for Americans to promote cardiovascular health.  The 2006 AHA Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations are presented as a general lifestyle prescription, not a detailed diet plan.  The report mentions the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, rich in low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as an example of a healthy dietary pattern that meets AHA guidelines.  The DASH diet is also recommended by the federal government as a way to get adequate nutrients while staying within calorie needs. In addition, the report encourages 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week and recognizes the vital role that health professionals, restaurants, the food industry, schools, and local policies play in helping the public meet these goals.

Lichtenstein AH, et al. Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations Revision 2006: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006; 114: 82-96.

Healthier Eating: Getting Where You Need to Be

Increased intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products are likely to have important health benefits for most Americans, according to the Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid.  The attached handout, Healthier Eating: Getting Where You Need to Be, provides information about the important role these foods play in a healthful diet. 

This issue was edited by Sarah Hess, MS, RD, LDN, New England Dairy & Food Council

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To schedule an interview, please contact the following:

Baltimore/Washington, D.C./Harrisburg/Lancaster/York, Pa.
Isabel Maples, MEd, RD
(703) 753-1195
imaples@milk4u.org

Philadelphia
Althea Zanecosky, MS, RD
(215) 836-5534
azanecosky@milk4u.org

Pittsburgh/Johnstown/Altoona
Jennifer Diemert, RD
(412) 369-8363
jdiemert@milk4u.org

The National Dairy Council® was founded in 1915 and conducts nutrition education and nutrition research programs through national, state and regional Dairy Council organizations, on behalf of America’s dairy farmers.

For more information about cheese check out ilovecheese.com or for marvelous milk recipes, check out www.whymilk.com.  For delicious dairy recipes visit www.dairyspot.com or for information on nutrition research, check out www.nationaldairycouncil.org.