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The Dairy Facts section includes research-based information on the following dairy-related
topics. Links to additional websites, as well as consumer-education handouts, are
included for additional reference.
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Dietary Requirements for Children and Adults |
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Dietary Requirements
This page briefly summarizes the nutrient requirements from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines
and MyPyramid food guidance system. Recommendations for protein, calcium, vitamin
D and potassium are listed. Recommended dietary patterns such as the DASH (Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan are also described. |
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All About Dairy Foods |
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Types of Milk
Learn more about the many different types of milk, such as whole, low-fat, fat-free,
organic, rBST-free, lactose-free and raw milk.
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Milk Handling
Dairy products are perishable foods and must be stored in the refrigerator. Proper
storage and handling of dairy foods will prolong shelf life and ensure food safety.
Learn if you can freeze milk, eat cheese with mold on it or drink milk that is past
the date on the carton.
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Flavored Milk
Learn more about the impact of flavored milk on the health of children. Recent studies
have shown that children who consume flavored milk are more likely to reach their
daily recommended intake of calcium and less likely to consume low-nutrient beverages
such as soda and sugary juice drinks.
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Milk
as a Sports Replacement Beverage
Recent studies have found milk can repair and replenish muscle tissue after exercise
that lasts over one hour by replacing nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates,
vitamins, minerals and water. Significant research has found that whey protein,
found in milk and whey protein powder, confers additional benefits to physical performance.
Whey protein contains amino acids necessary for building and maintaining strong
muscles. |
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Shopping Tips |
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Save Money by Eating in: Eating at Home Makes Good Economic Sense
Eating meals at home and making smart shopping choices can help save money. With
a bit of planning, it is possible to make healthy food choices on a budget, and
the health benefits of consuming nutrient-rich foods that are linked to disease
prevention could be a wise economic choice in the long run. Tips for making smart,
money-saving purchases from all of the food groups are listed.
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Beverages Galore: How to Find the Right Balance
Consumption of sweet beverages such as sodas, fruit drinks, and fruit juices has
been on the rise in the past several decades, while milk has been on the decline.
The decline in milk consumption is a concern because milk is typically replaced
with sweetened drinks, which can lead to increased calorie intake and weight gain
as well as a greatly reduced intake of important nutrients. |
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Dairy Foods and Health |
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Healthy Bones
Maintaining strong, healthy bones can be accomplished by getting the recommended
amount of calcium daily, being physically active and maintaining body weight in
the normal weight range. Children and teens that are inactive and eat inadequate
amounts of calcium have increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis, a bone disease
common in older adults marked by lower than normal bone mineral levels, can lead
to fractures. Vitamin D is essential to good health because it helps with dietary
absorption of calcium.
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Common Barriers to Milk Consumption—Lactose Intolerance and Allergies
Some individuals have difficulty consuming milk and dairy products due to lactose
intolerance or milk protein allergies. Lactose intolerance refers to the body’s
inability to digest lactose, a sugar naturally found in milk. Milk protein allergy
refers to the body’s response to one or more proteins in milk. This page offers
suggestions on how people with these health issues can manage their diet. |
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Cancer
Risk and Dairy-Product Consumption
The benefits of consuming adequate calcium, especially from dairy foods, are numerous
and include bone health, nerve and muscle function and effectively treating mild
hypertension. Current research investigating the link between dairy products, calcium
and vitamin D, and cancer prevention are listed. |
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Dairy and Weight
Maintenance
The benefit of consuming dairy foods for weight loss or maintenance is a hot topic
for researchers and health-conscious individuals worldwide. To promote good health,
the 2005 Dietary Guidelines suggest that adults consume three servings of dairy
products each day. In addition to good health, consuming three servings of milk
and dairy products daily as part of a reduced-calorie weight-loss plan
may play an important role in weight management. |
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