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SACRAMENTO, CA—April 16, 2008 – Kids and teens, pour yourselves a tall one. Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milk, that is. New research shows that drinking flavored milk increases overall milk intake and improves nutrition without adding extra weight.

A study of nearly 8,000 children and adolescents published in this month’s Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that those who included flavored milk in their beverage selection actually drank more milk overall—both flavored and plain—when compared to peers who only drank plain milk. Because milk is a good source of calcium and potassium, two “nutrients of concern” lacking in the diets of most Americans, drinking more milk leads to better nutrition.

“These findings should come as a relief for parents torn between serving their children foods that taste good and those that are good for them,” said Andrea Garen, M.A., R.D., with Dairy Council of California. “At home and at school, flavored milks provide the nutrients your child needs without increasing risk of obesity.”

Flavored milks have fallen out of favor with some parents and school food service professionals for fear that their added sugars contribute to rising rates of obesity in children and adolescents. However, this study reviewed overall diet and found no significant difference in added sugar intake between flavored milk drinkers and non-drinkers in the study. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) measures of milk drinkers were comparable to, or even lower than those who did not drink milk.

Finally, Garen notes that the research supports flavored milk as a nutrient-rich food choice within the context of a diet including foods from all the food groups. Additionally, at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity is important for children and adolescents to stay fit and build stronger bones.

Garen recommends encouraging children to sample the flavored milk options available in the school cafeteria or conducting in-home “taste tests” with low-fat or fat-free milk to determine your child’s preferences. A variety of flavored milk beverage ideas are available at Meals Matter, www.mealsmatter.org, a free family nutrition and meal planning website sponsored by Dairy Council of California.

Through nutrition education programs, Dairy Council of California promotes healthy choices from all the food groups and regular physical activity as the foundation for optimal health. For more information, please visit www.mealsmatter.org or www.dairycouncilofca.org. Healthy Eating Made Easier.®

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