 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
   Click on the links below to access resources and information about the latest milk research: COMMUNITY-INTERVENTION STUDY LINKS HIGHER MILK INTAKE TO GREATER WEIGHT LOSS Successful Town Makeover Focused on Boosting Calcium and Exercise The battle against obesity in this country could be tackled one community at a time, according to a newly published study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. Researchers at the University of Colorado at Denver demonstrated the effectiveness of changing behaviors at a community level, suggesting that community-based interventions could be a viable option to address the nation's obesity epidemic. Adults in Calcium, New York, who increased calcium intake by drinking more lowfat milk and other milk products and walked more frequently successfully lost weight after a 16-week overhaul. In this innovative "Calcium Weighs In" community intervention, researchers overhauled the health habits of 199 men and women in a small, rural community of Calcium, New York. The free program provided one-on-one nutrition counseling and group classes, urging participants to set reasonable health goals, choose lowfat dairy foods including milk, cheese and yogurt and exceed a 10,000 step per day goal to increase physical activity. At the end of the 16-week program, the 116 participants who completed the program lost an average of 13.2 pounds. Total dairy intake increased to nearly 3 servings per day, on average, meeting the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended goal. "The best way to tackle the obesity problem in this country is by changing one community at a time and we made a huge impact in Calcium, NY," said renowned obesity researcher and study co-author James O. Hill, PhD, director of the Center for Human Nutrition in Denver. "We were able to improve overall health simply by getting adults moving and changing eating habits to include more lowfat or fat free milk and other milk products, a model that can certainly apply to other Americans." Additional nutrition studies suggest that drinking the recommended three glasses of lowfat or fat free milk a day can help maintain a healthy weight. And according to "Weighing in on the American Diet," a new comprehensive report on the weight management practices of Americans conducted by The NPD Group in collaboration with the Milk Processor Education Program, dieters who made drinking lowfat or fat free milk a daily habit were more likely to be at a healthy weight and have better quality diets, richer in essential nutrients, compared to those who didn't. Milk provides nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, protein and potassium-especially important for dieters who may be missing out on key nutrients. Source: Wyatt HR, Jortberg BT, Babbel C, Garner S, Dong F, Grunwald GK, Hill JO. Weight loss in a community initiative that promotes decreased energy intake and increased physical activity and dairy consumption: Calcium Weighs-In. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2008;5:28-44. View Study DRINKING MILK MAY HELP EASE THE PRESSURE New Study Suggests Fat Free Milk May Offer Protection Against Hypertension - a Rising Risk for Women in this Country Women who drank more fat free milk and had higher intakes of calcium and vitamin D from foods, and not supplements, tended to have a lower risk for developing hypertension or high blood pressure, according to a new study published in the American Heart Association journal, Hypertension. After examining the diets of nearly 30,000 middle-aged and older women, Harvard researchers found that women who consumed more low-fat milk and milk products and had diets higher in calcium and vitamin D from foods were better protected against high blood pressure. When the researchers investigated the benefits of milk specifically, they found women who drank two or more servings of fat free milk each day reduced their risk for high blood pressure by up to10 percent compared to those who drank fat free milk less than once a month. The same was not found for higher fat milk and milk products or calcium and vitamin D supplement users. One in three American adults has high blood pressure, and an increasing number of women are living with undiagnosed hypertension, according to a second study published in the journal Circulation. The last decade has seen significant increases in uncontrolled high blood pressure for women across the nation, a condition that puts them at serious risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and even kidney failure. Yet despite a vast body of research linking diet changes to blood pressure control, most Americans are still missing the mark on their diets. According to new research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Americans are ignoring the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet, the therapeutic eating plan recommended by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute that emphasizes low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables to help reduce blood pressure levels. Previous research has linked the DASH diet and lowfat or fat free milk to blood pressure benefits – one reason why the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend drinking three glasses of lowfat or fat free milk each day. Milk provides nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, protein and potassium. Footnotes: Wang L, Manson JE, Buring JE, Lee IM, Sesso HD. Dietary intake of dairy products, calcium, and vitamin D and the risk of hypertension in middle-aged and older women. Hypertension. 2008;51:1-7. Mellen PB, Gao SK, Vitolins MZ, Goff DC. Deteriorating dietary habits among adults with hypertension: DASH dietary accordance, NHANES 1988-1994 and 1999-2004. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2008;168:308-314. Ezzatti M, Oza S, Danaei G, Murray CJL. Trends and cardiovascular mortality effects of state-level blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension in the United States. Circulation. 2008;117:905-914. View Study Weighing in on the American Diet A Report on the Health and Weight Management Habits of Americans
Executive Summary Even though diet books continue to soar to best-seller lists, the tide may be turning. Weighing in on the American Diet found that dieting is at an all-time low and "feeling healthier" but that for those beginning a diet, "feeling healthier" is the primary motivator. Instead of extreme lifestyle changes that cannot be maintained, more Americans seem to be looking for reasonable strategies that help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight. One such sustainable change is including milk in the diet because studies suggest that drinking 3 glasses of lowfat or fat free milk a day can help maintain a healthy weight. This new study looked at the who, what, how and why of dieting in this country - providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the weight management practices in America.
Could Vitamin D, A Key Milk Nutrient, Affect How You Age? New Study Suggests Boosting Vitamin D May Have Long-Term Benefits for Inflammation, Aging
There is a new reason for the 76 million baby boomers in the United States to grab a glass of milk. Vitamin D, a key nutrient in milk, could have aging benefits linked to reduced inflammation, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Drinking Milk May Help Dieters Maintain Weight Loss New Study Finds Higher Calcium Diet Linked to Less Weight Regain After Significant Weight Loss
Including milk and other milk products as part of a healthy weight management plan may help women keep off the weight theyĂve lost. In a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that higher calcium intakes, mostly from milk and other milk products and not supplements, was linked to less weight gain 18 months after a significant weight loss.
Trying To Tone-Up? Build More Muscle With Milk New study finds drinking fat-free milk after working out helps build more muscle than a soy protein drink (8/2007)
Reaching for a tall glass of fat-free milk after lifting weights may help build muscle and burn body fat, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.1
Boosting Key Milk Nutrients May Help Lower Type 2 Diabeties Risk New Research Finds Combination of Calcium and Vitamin D May Offer Protection Against Type 2 Diabetes Most Americans fail to get the calcium and vitamin D they need, but this shortfall could be affecting more than their bones. It may, at least in part, be one reason behind the epidemic of type 2 diabetes, suggests new research conducted at Tufts University. Drinking more milk - a leading source of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet - could help decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 15 percent, according to the new meta-analysis and review published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. In the thorough analysis of previously published studies, the researchers found chronically low levels of vitamin D were linked to as high as 46 percent greater risk of type 2 diabetes. Yet boosting vitamin D alone would likely have little effect in healthy adults. Instead, the researchers suggested that a combination of vitamin D and calcium, like that found in milk, would have the greatest potential to help prevent diabetes, especially among those at highest risk for the disease. Examining the intake of milk and milk products specifically, the researchers found there was nearly a 15 percent lower risk for type 2 diabetes among individuals with the highest dairy intake (3-5 servings per day) compared to those getting less than 1 Ω servings each day. Most of the studies assessed were observational and the limited number of intervention trials makes definitive conclusions difficult, yet the Tufts researchers suggest calcium and vitamin D may affect the bodyĂs ability to produce or utilize insulin, the hormone the body makes to process sugar that is impaired in those with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Beside calcium and vitamin D, milk is the primary beverage source of magnesium, which a second meta-analysis found may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The analysis concludes that for every 100 milligram increase in magnesium up to the recommended dietary intake, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes decreased by 15 percent. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome (or pre-diabetes) affect a staggering 75 million Americans and death rates from diabetes have increased nearly 45 percent over the past 20 years, elevating the importance of finding new ways to treat and prevent this deadly disease. Milk is a primary source of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet. In fact, government reports indicate that more than 70 percent of the calcium in our nation's food supply comes from milk and milk products. Additionally, milk is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is fast emerging as a "super nutrient." The recommended three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk provides 900 mg of calcium, 300 IU of vitamin D and 80 mg of magnesium daily. 1Pittas AG, Lau J, Hu FB, Dawson-Hughes B. REVIEW: The role of vitamin D and calcium in type 2 diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007;92:2017-2029. 2Larsson SC, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Journal of Internal Medicine. 2007. doi: 10.1111; epub ahead of print. Coffeehouses Offer Surprising Solution To Our Nation's Calcium Crisis Nutrition Experts Laud Skim Lattes for Helping Calcium-Deficient Women Drink Their Milk The growing popularity of coffeehouses may be helping to close the calcium gap in this country. Two out of three Americans fail to get enough calcium, which remains one of the nutrients most likely to be lacking in our diets - particularly among women. Although some women say they no longer drink milk, they're getting more milk than they realize when they make a stop at their favorite corner coffeehouse. Many of today's most popular coffee drinks supply more than a full serving of milk, which is 1 cup or 8 ounces. For example, a Grande CaffĂ‹ Latte (16 fl oz) at Starbucks provides 415 milligrams of calcium or 40% of the daily value for calcium. Order a Venti (20 fl oz) and the calcium soars to 50% -- supplying half of the 1,000 milligrams of calcium recommended each day. Women are more likely than men to skimp on milk, according to a new analysis of U.S. beverage patterns called What America Drinks. This nationwide look at our intake of liquids found that women consume, on average, only about 6 ounces of milk a day - far short of the 24 ounces (or 3 servings) of milk that's recommended each day. For women who rarely drink a glass of milk with their meals, nutrition experts say milk-based coffee drinks like lattes can be an easy way to correct calcium shortfalls. "Skim or nonfat lattes are not only a guilt-free treat that women can feel good about, but they're an eye-opening nutrition ally," says registered dietitian Carolyn O'Neil, author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous! "Most women are completely surprised to learn what a powerful nutrient punch is in each cup, but it makes sense when you consider that you're getting more milk than espresso when you order a latte." A 16-ounce skim latte is not only an excellent source of calcium, but provides an array of other nutrients, including 25% daily value of protein and 35% daily value of vitamin D - which partners with calcium to keep bones strong. Each 16-ounce serving is also a good source of other nutrients that are often lacking in women's diets, such as potassium, magnesium and vitamin A. While most coffeehouses offer a variety of milk, O'Neil suggests ordering your latte with skim or nonfat milk to shave off calories and to eliminate fat. Many coffeehouses also offer sugar-free syrups that can add flavor without any additional calories. You also can ask the barista to "hold the whip" to control calories. In the summer, O'Neil recommends cooling off with an iced latte, which she says is an ideal nutrient-packed substitute for soft drinks. An iced Grande CaffĂ‹ Latte made with skim milk at Starbucks contains only 90 calories and provides 290 milligrams of calcium or 30% of the daily value. The same size soda contains 200 calories and comes up empty on calcium and other nutrients. Trading in your soft drink for an iced skim latte may not just boost your calcium -- it may actually help you ward off extra pounds. According to the What America Drinks report, women who drank more soft drinks and little milk tended to weigh more than their peers who opted for more milk and fewer soft drinks. Among women, soft drinks provided more calories to the diet than any other single beverage. The What American Drinks report also found that about 40% of Americans drank coffee, making it the third most commonly consumed beverage in this country. Yet only about 6% of adults said they drank coffee beverages made with milk. O'Neil suggested these coffee drinkers make a simple switch. "If you'd just swap out your regular cup of joe for a skim latte, then you'll get much closer to getting the calcium you need each day," she advised. "If you have a large skim latte in the morning and perhaps a decaf one in the afternoon, then you may even reach your daily calcium goal." Calcium-rich Coffee Drinks O'Neil said women should not be concerned about getting their calcium in a caffeine-containing beverage like coffee, even though there's often confusion about the effect of caffeine on bones. Many people mistakenly believe that the caffeine in coffee hinders calcium absorption. But in reality, the impact is negligible. In fact, adding milk to coffee appears to significantly offset the impact of caffeine on calcium absorption. A series of studies conducted by Dr. Robert Heaney of Creighton University in Omaha found that caffeine did not have harmful effects on calcium absorption or bones. He concludes that only about 4 to 6 milligrams of calcium were lost for every cup of coffee consumed, but this was primarily seen in women with inadequate calcium intakes. Dr. Heaney's research indicates that adding milk to coffee offers beneficial effects that virtually "negate" the minimal impact of caffeine. He estimated that the small calcium deficit is countered by adding just two tablespoons of milk to a caffeine-containing beverage such as coffee - which is another benefit of drinking a latte instead of black coffee. O'Neil suggests making a coffee beverage with milk part of your daily routine. "You'll get huge nutritional gains in a delicious package," she said. Think About Your Drink For more information on how to increase the calcium and nutrients in your diet with coffee drinks, visit ThinkAboutYourDrink.com. 1What America Drinks is based on a comprehensive study conducted by ENVIRON International Corporation. The report analyzed data from more than 10,000 Americans ages 4 and older who participated in the government's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 and provided reasonable dietary reports of food/beverage intakes. The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the national Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to www.thinkaboutyourdrink.com. The tagline "got milk?"Æ was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups. Boosting Key Milk Nutrients May Protect Against Cancer New study suggests calcium and vitamin D may reduce cancer risk in women by at least 60 percent Key milk nutrients, calcium and vitamin D, may do more than just help keep your bones strong. Increasing intake of calcium and vitamin D could reduce the risk for cancer in women by at least 60 percent, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1. The four-year clinical trial included more than one thousand women over the age of 55 in one of three supplement groups: 1) calcium (1400-1500mg) plus vitamin D (1100 IU vitamin D) 2) calcium only (1400-1500 mg) or 3) a placebo. The researchers found that the risk of developing cancer was 60 percent lower for those who took calcium and vitamin D and 47 percent lower for those taking calcium alone, compared to the placebo. Fifty women developed nonskin cancer through the course of the four-year study, including breast, colon, lung and other cancers. When researchers excluded the 13 cancers diagnosed during first year of the study, determining these cancers were likely present at the study onset, the protective effect of calcium and vitamin D was even greater, with a 77 percent lower risk for cancer for those taking calcium plus vitamin D compared to the placebo. With an estimated 10.5 million Americans living with cancer, researchers on a quest for new means to prevent or delay the occurrence of this deadly disease are encouraged by these findings. "This is the first clinical trial to show that boosting vitamin D status can affect the overall risk for cancer - a proposition that has tremendous public health potential," said lead author Dr Joan Lappe, a nutrition researcher from Creighton University in Omaha. "By choosing vitamin-D rich foods like milk and taking a supplement Americans can help improve their vitamin D levels and potentially impact their cancer risk." Milk is the primary source of calcium and an excellent source of vitamin D in the American diet. In fact, government reports indicate that more than 70 percent of the calcium in our nation's food supply comes from milk and milk products.2, 3, 4, 5 Additionally, milk is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is fast emerging as a "super nutrient." Several recent studies have reported similar conclusions, suggesting that calcium and vitamin D may reduce the risk for breast cancer in premenopausal women and colon cancer in older women.6, 7 Together, these findings give Americans even more reason to meet the recommended three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk each day, providing 900 mg of calcium and 300 IU of vitamin D daily. 1Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, Recker RR, Heaney RP. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;85:1586-1591. 2Gerrior S, Bente L, Hiza, H. (2004). Nutrient Content of the U.S. Food Supply, 1909-2000. (Home Economics Research Report No. 56). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. 3Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, U.S. Department of Agriculture, www.healtheirus.gov/dietaryguidelines. 4Cotton PA, Subar AF, Friday JE, Cook A. Dietary sources of nutrients among US adults, 1994 to 1996. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2004; 104:921-930. 5Weinberg L, Berner LA, Groves JE. Nutrient contributions of dairy foods in the United States, Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, 1994-1996, 1998. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2004; 104:895-902. 6Lin J, Manson JE, Lee I, Cook NR, Buring JE, Zhang SM. Intakes of Calcium and Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk in Women. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2007;167:1050-1059. 7Feskanich D, Ma J, Fuchs CS, Kirkner GJ, Hankinson SE, Hollis BW, Giovannucci EL. Plasma vitamin D metabolites and risk of colorectal cancer in women. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention. 2004;13:1502-1508. Are You Losing More than Weight When Dieting? New Study Reinforces the Importance of Calcium in Your Diet to Keep Bones Sturdy and Strong If you're trying to lose weight, you might want to consider drinking more milk. While previous studies have shown that weight loss can cause dieters' bones to weaken, a new National Institutes of Health study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that dieters with adequate calcium intake did not lose bone mass while losing weight. Researchers instructed 44 premenopausal overweight women to boost calcium intake from food to 600mg per day while trying to lose or maintain weight over a six-month period. The women were provided supplemental calcium and instructed to maintain a total daily calcium intake of either 1,000mg or 1,800mg per day, in line with the recommended 1,000mg for women. After six months, the dieters lost 6-8% of their body weight on average and up to 18% of body fat, yet had no signs of bone loss. In fact, women who lost weight and consumed a high calcium diet had small but statistically significant increases in total body bone mineral density, a measure of bone strength. Decreased bone strength can lead to debilitating bone fractures, and even osteoporosis – a serious medical condition of weakened bones that affects an estimated 44 million Americans. Milk is the top source of calcium in the American diet and three servings of milk each day provide 900 mg of calcium. Experts recommend 24 ounces of lowfat or fat free milk each day to maintain adequate calcium intake and get added bone-building benefits of vitamin D and phosphorus from milk. To schedule an interview with one of the researchers or to request more information on the study, please call 312-988-2067 or send an e-mail to vdallis@webershandwick.com. Riedt CS, Schlussel Y, Von Thun N, Amiba-Sobhan H, Stahl T, Field MP, Sherrell RM, Shapses SA. Premenopausal overweight women do not lose bone during moderate weight loss with adequate or higher calcium intake. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;85:972-980. New Study Suggests Beverage Patterns May 'Make Or Break' Your Diet National Analysis of U.S. Beverage Patterns Reveals Americans are Awash in Sweet Drinks Americans are filling their glasses with too many sugary drinks and not enough nutrient-rich beverage choices like lowfat milk, which may be affecting their weight and diet quality, suggests a new study presented today at the Experimental Biology meeting. Researchers from ENVIRON International Corporation conducted a comprehensive analysis of U.S. beverage patterns, examining all of the liquids consumed by a national sample of 10,000 adults, teenagers and children. The data were from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) coordinated by the federal government. The study revealed that among most age groups, the largest proportion of beverage calories comes from sugar-sweetened drinks, a category that includes soft drinks, fruit drinks and presweetened teas. In fact, in some age groups, the average intake of sugar-sweetened drinks was more than three times that of milk. This trend of sugar-laden drinks replacing milk could be negatively affecting Americans' weight. The study found that preteen girls, teenage girls and women ages 19 to 49 whose diets consisted of more milk and fewer sweetened beverages had significantly lower Body Mass Indexes (BMI) compared to those who drank little milk and more sweetened beverages. "We had little nationwide data among all age groups on the connection between beverage choice and BMI prior to this study," said co-author Rachel Johnson, PhD, RD, dean and professor of nutrition at the University of Vermont. "We know that Americans are consuming an alarming amount of sugary drinks. Furthermore, the consumption of milk beverages in place of these sweetened beverages may play a beneficial role in weight management, particularly among preteen and teenage girls and women." Additionally, the new analysis found that the choice of beverage seems to make a difference in overall nutrition. People who drank more milk and fewer sweetened beverages had diets that were significantly higher in vital nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A. In the general population, sweetened beverages substantially contributed to calories and added sugar intakes, while providing fewer nutrients other than vitamin C. "Our research tells us that beverages make significant contributions to energy and nutrient intakes of Americans, and gives us good reason to suggest that people choose nutrient-rich beverages like lowfat and fat free milk," explains co-author Susan Barr, PhD, RD, professor of nutrition at the University of British Columbia. "This study suggests that consumption of milk beverages in place of sweetened beverages may be associated with a healthy weight." To schedule an interview with one of the researchers or to request more information on the study, please call 312-988-2067 or send an e-mail to vdallis@webershandwick.com. Douglass J, Murphy M, Barr S, Johnson R, Frye C. Associations between patterns of beverage consumption and nutrient intakes and BMI in the U.S. FASEB Journal; 2007: A833.5. New Study Suggests Drinking Milk May Reduce Fat Absorption Scientists Find Dairy Calcium More Effective Than Calcium Supplements Drinking a glass of milk with your meal may reduce fat absorption, suggests a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers in Denmark found that calcium from milk and other dairy foods decreased levels of fat in the blood after eating, which they believe may be due to reduced fat absorption. Calcium from supplements did not have the same effect. The researchers believe this may partially explain why other studies have linked milk with a healthy weight. In this randomized cross-over clinical trial, the Danish researchers gave 18 moderately overweight men (ages 18-50 years) four different meals: low calcium (68 mg), medium calcium (350 mg), high dairy calcium (793 mg) and high supplement calcium (850 mg). The high dairy calcium diet included additional milk and low-fat yogurt. All four meals had consistent calories and percentages of carbohydrate, fat and protein and were adjusted to control levels of proteins and lactose normally found in dairy products. Measuring the post-meal responses, researchers found that the fat levels in the blood were between 17 and 19 percent lower among subjects consuming a dairy source of calcium than those receiving the calcium carbonate supplements -- leading the authors to suggest there's something unique about calcium from dairy foods like milk that deserves additional investigation. While several research studies have found a connection between the intake of milk and dairy products and a healthy weight, scientists are still studying into the mechanisms behind the proposed link. Previous studies have demonstrated an increased excretion of dietary fat. This is the first clinical study to show that higher dairy calcium could affect post-meal fat absorption, as a means to explain higher dietary fat losses. The researchers found no effects on appetite, appetite-related hormones or feelings of hunger - other mechanisms that have been previously proposed to explain the link between milk and a healthy weight. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk each day. Milk is packed with nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, protein and potassium, especially important for dieters who may be missing out on important nutrients. Lorenzen JK, Nielsen S, Holst JJ, Tetens I, Rehfeld JF, Astrup A. Effect of dairy calcium or supplementary calcium intake on postprandial fat metabolism, appetite , and subsequent energy intake. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;85:678-87. New Study Suggests Drinking More Milk Could Prevent Fat Gain Making milk your beverage of choice and maintaining this habit for 18 months may help prevent fat gain, suggests a new study published in Obesity. Researchers at Purdue University conducted a follow-up study of 51 normal weight college-aged women who had previously participated in a year-long intervention that examined the impact of increased dairy intake on fat mass. Six months after the initial study was completed, the women in the high-dairy group had maintained an elevated calcium intake; the researchers emphasized increasing consumption of lowfat and fat free milk to help boost calcium intakes. The researchers found that the women who had maintained a high-dairy/high-calcium intake over the entire 18-month period had significantly lower fat mass compared to the women with lower calcium and dairy intakes (less than 800 mg of calcium per day). At the start of the 12-month clinical study, women had low calcium intakes and were instructed to follow one of three diets - a low-dairy diet (less than 800 mg calcium per day), a medium-dairy diet (1,000 - 1,100 mg calcium per day) or a high-dairy diet (1,300 - 1,400 mg calcium per day). While no body fat or weight differences were found during the first year, the researchers detected a significant difference between the low-dairy diet and high-dairy diet when they revisited the women six months later. The researchers concluded that the effect of dairy products such as milk or calcium on fat and weight may be small and difficult to detect in just one year among normal weight young women, but that habitual intake of dairy products rich in calcium like lowfat or fat free milk over a longer time period may be linked to healthy weight management benefits. The authors conclude that "it is important to develop strategies to promote increased calcium intakes in the U.S. population because intakes are generally far below current recommendations." Dietary guidelines recommend three servings (or 24 ounces) of lowfat or fat free milk each day for Americans over age 8, and two servings for children under age 8. Eagan MS, Lyle RM, Gunther CW, Peacock M, Teegarden D. Effect of 1-year dairy product intervention on fat mass in young women: 6-month follow-up. Obesity. 2006;14:2242-2248. FDA Releases Proposed Rule on New Vitamin D and Calcium Health Claim Your mother probably told you that drinking lowfat and fat-free milk helps to build strong bones. Now there's more reason to listen to your mom. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a proposed rule for an updated health claim to tout the role of vitamin D together with calcium to reduce the risk for osteoporosis and build and maintain good bone health. Milk cartons could soon display a new health claim since milk is the number one source of dietary calcium in the American diet and is an excellent source of vitamin D. Once final, the proposed rule, with a comment period through March 21, 2007, would allow reduced fat, lowfat and fat-free milk cartons to display a health claim that states "physical activity and adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis" or "build and maintain good bone health." According to the federal government, more than 70 percent of the calcium in our nation's food supply comes from milk and milk products.1, 2, 3, 4 Milk is also one of the few good sources of vitamin D, which is a necessary nutrient for the body to properly absorb calcium and maintain bone strength. Unfortunately, the average American diet is low in both vitamin D and calcium and 55 percent of women and men aged 50 and older are affected by osteoporosis. The new FDA-approved health claim will help to direct American shoppers to the best sources of vitamin D and calcium to help prevent this disease. Other foods that are excellent sources of vitamin D and calcium also will qualify for this health claim, as long as they supply at least 200mg of calcium and 80 IU of vitamin D per serving. However, milk is an optimal choice because it contains additional nutrients that are essential for building and maintaining strong bones, such as protein, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Drink three glasses of lowfat or fat-free milk every day to help your body build strong bones - the new vitamin D and calcium health claim could be appearing soon on a milk carton near you. For more information contact Lori Fromm at 312-988-2436 or lfromm@webershandwick.com. 1 Gerrior S, Bente L, Hiza, H. (2004). Nutrient Content of the U.S. Food Supply, 1909-2000. (Home Economics Research Report No. 56). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. 2 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, U.S. Department of Agriculture, www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines. 3 Cotton PA, Subar AF, Friday JE, Cook A. Dietary sources of nutrients among US adults, 1994 to 1996. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2004; 104:921-930. 4 Weinberg L, Berner LA, Groves JE. Nutrient contributions of dairy foods in the United States, Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, 1994-1996, 1998. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2004; 104:895-902. Drink Up to Help Reduce PMS If you are one of the 85 percent of women who experience symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), you may want to grab a glass of lowfat milk. According to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, including more calcium and vitamin D in the diet may help women reduce the severity these monthly symptoms. This prospective study used information gathered from the Nurses' Health Study II which provided health status and eating pattern data from over sixteen thousand nurses ages 24 - 42, over ten years during 1991 to 2001. Researchers screened the participants based on medical diagnosis and self-reported PMS symptoms asking them to report whether they had experienced any of 26 different PMS-related symptoms, when they experienced them and how often. The study selected a group of 1057 women with PMS symptoms and 1968 without symptoms for a comparison of their dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D. The researchers found that women who had the most calcium and vitamin D from foods in their diet (on average about 1280mg of calcium and 380 IU of vitamin D) experienced fewer PMS symptoms than women who had little calcium or vitamin D. In addition, women who drank at least two servings per day of non-fat or lowfat milk had a significantly lower risk of developing PMS symptoms than those women who had only one serving or less of non-fat or lowfat milk per week. Whole milk was associated with a moderate increase in risk. PMS causes troubling physical and emotional symptoms between the time of ovulation and the first day of a woman's period. These premenstrual symptoms such as depression, irritability and cramping can interfere with relationships and daily activities and many women are in search of ways to ease these symptoms. Milk is the leading source of both calcium and vitamin D in the American diet - so drink up daily to help ease the monthly pains. Bertone-Johnson ER, et al. Calcium and vitamin D intake and risk of incident premenstrual syndrome. Archives of Internal Medicine.2005; 165:1246-1252. View Study Not Getting Enough Milk and Dairy During Preschool Years May Lead to Weight Gain in Adolescence Moms know their young children need milk for strong bones and teeth, but a new study suggests dairy foods like milk may also help lower the risk of childhood obesity. Researchers at Boston University found that youngsters who get adequate amounts of dairy foods daily seem to lower their risk of becoming overweight. Skimping on milk and other dairy products in early childhood may lead to excess body fat during adolescence, according to the new study published in the journal Obesity. In fact, children who consumed the least amount of dairy before the age of 6 gained an extra 25 mm of under-skin fat and had a body mass index (an indicator of weight) about two units higher than the dairy-eaters. Children who had the recommended two servings a day had substantial lower body fat. Researchers tracked the dairy intakes of preschool children (age 6 and younger) from 99 families enrolled in the Framingham Children's Study and continued to follow the children's growth and development through age 13. By early adolescence, children who had consumed the least amount of dairy (less than 1.25 servings per day for girls and less than 1.70 servings per day for boys) had gained significantly more fat than children who consumed the most dairy (more than 1.85 servings per day for girls and more than 2.35 servings per day for boys) during early childhood. About one-third of U.S. children and teenagers - about 25 million kids - are either overweight or on the brink of becoming so, a situation leading to increased health risks and greater likelihood of obesity during adulthood. According to the researchers, this study suggests that "young children who fail to meet the recommended guideline for dairy intake may have an added risk for gaining excess body fat." The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk and milk products each day over the age of 8 and two servings for children ages 1 to 8. Milk is packed with nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, protein and potassium, important for growing children. Moore LL, Bradlee LM, Gao D, Singer MR. Low dairy intake in early childhood predicts excess body fat gain. Obesity. 2006;14:1010-1018. View Study New Review Finds Link Between Sugary Sodas and Weight Gain What you drink could be affecting your waistline, according to a new analysis by Harvard researchers published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This comprehensive review of the evidence suggests that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly carbonated soft drinks, may be a key contributor to the obesity epidemic. The researchers reviewed 30 studies published between 1966 and May 2005 and compared intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (including soft drinks, soda, fruitades, fruit drinks, sports drinks, sweetened iced tea and lemonade) and weight gain/obesity. Consumption of these sweetened beverages has increased 135% between 1997 and 2001, paralleling the dramatic rise in obesity. Overall, cross-sectional, prospective cohort and experimental studies provide "strong evidence for the independent role of the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly soda, in the promotion of weight gain and obesity in children and adolescents," and prospective and experimental trials in adults suggest a "positive association between soda consumption and weight gain, obesity, or both," according to the researchers. Although many factors can contribute to obesity, the researchers believe sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to weight gain for several reasons: high-sugar content, additional calories and low satiety. Beyond obesity, the researchers identified additional health concerns such as the increased risk of diabetes, fracture and dental carries from too much sugary soda, particularly for children and adolescents. Soft drinks and other sweetened beverages appear to be displacing milk -- an important source of essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, protein and potassium. Obesity rates continue to escalate and the researchers suggest that decreasing sugary beverages could help combat this obesity epidemic. "Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and fruit drinks should be discouraged, and efforts to promote the consumption of other beverages such as water, low-fat milk, and small quantities of fruit juice should be made a priority," the authors conclude. Malik VS, Schulze MB, Hu FB. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain: a systematic review. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.2006; 84:274-288. View Study New Research Links Milk and Dairy Consumption to a Reduced Risk for High Blood Pressure A new National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute study showed that people who consumed more lowfat dairy products like fat free and lowfat milk had lower blood pressure, a major factor in stroke and heart attacks. Published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, this is an important finding for the sixty-five million Americans who are affected by high blood pressure. Studying the habits of almost five thousand men and women, the researchers found that those who consumed more than three servings of milk and dairy products per day were 36 percent less likely to have high blood pressure than those who ate the least amount of dairy, less than half a serving per day. Lowfat dairy products, such as fat-free and lowfat milk, may be the best choices to reap the blood pressure benefits. Study participants who ate 3 servings of dairy a day that also limited their saturated fat intake were 54 percent less likely to have high blood pressure than those who ate a low-saturated fat diet with less dairy. Experts recommend three servings of fat-free or low-fat milk and other dairy products each day. Milk is packed with nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that are often lacking in the diets of most Americans. The researchers suggest that it could be the mix of nutrients such as potassium or magnesium, rather than calcium, that has a beneficial effect on blood pressure. This new research builds upon expert recommendations, such as the 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines and the 2006 American Heart Association diet and lifestyle guidelines, that call attention to dairy's role in cardiovascular health. Djousse (7) L, Pankow JS, Hunt SC, Heiss G, Province MA, Kabagambe EK, Ellison RC. Influence of saturated fat and linolenic acid on the association between intake of dairy products and blood pressure. Hypertension. 2006;48:342-348. View Study Low Intake of Milk During Pregnancy Associated With Decreased Birth Weight Now there's even more reason for expectant mothers to drink their milk. A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that women who rarely drank milk during their pregnancy gave birth to smaller babies compared to women who drank more milk. Low birth weight affects one out of every 13 babies born each year in the United States and is a factor in 65 percent of infant deaths, according to the March of Dimes. This new study suggests that drinking the recommended amount of milk each day - three 8-ounce glasses - may help increase birth weight. Researchers followed 279 women throughout their pregnancy who participated in the health study. In addition, they found that women who limited their intake of milk to one cup or less per day had significantly less protein and vitamin D, and they gave birth to babies that weighed less compared to women who drank more milk. Milk consumption and vitamin D intake from fortified milk and supplements during pregnancy were found to be associated with infant birth weights, independently of other risk factors. Analysis of this data predicted that each cup of milk consumed daily was associated with a 41 gram increase in a baby's birth weight. The researchers believe vitamin D may not only affect an infant's skeletal formation, but also neurodevelopment, immune function and chronic disease susceptibility later in life. Previous research has suggested that milk intake may help reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Meeting nutrient intake needs is especially important during pregnancy. The researchers highlight a significant need for vitamin D for calcium absorption, among other things, and the important contribution of milk as a source of vitamin D, calcium and protein. Consuming the recommended three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk each day provides 90 percent of the U.S. daily intake for calcium and 75 percent of the vitamin D. Mannion CA, Gray-Donald K, Koski KG. Association of low intake of milk and vitamin D during pregnancy with decreased birth weight. Canadian Medical Association Journal 2006; 174(9). View Study Press Release Calcium Intake Not Associated With Weight Gain A new study showing that calcium intake is not associated with weight gain was authored by Harvard researchers including Dr. Walter Willett titled, "Calcium and dairy intakes in relation to long-term weight gain in US men," published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This observational study found no link between calcium intake and weight gain over time. Specifically, the researchers examined baseline calcium intake and change in total calcium intake (from dairy, other dietary calcium sources or calcium supplements) over a 12-year period and found no association with weight gain when adjusting for lifestyle factors and age. The study did show benefits of higher dairy consumption, including a lower prevalence of both high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels and higher intake of cereal fiber and vitamin D. The study included more than 19,000 healthy, normal-weight men aged 40-75 years who were enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Study participants followed their normal diets, not calorie-restricted diets. These findings are consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend 3 servings of low-fat dairy foods each day, recognizing that intake of dairy foods does not contribute to extra weight gain. View Press Release Beverage Choice Impacts Weight Young girls tripled their intake of sugary sodas as they entered adolescence, making sodas the number one beverage consumed by older girls — a trend that is being blamed for an increase in weight (BMI) and a shortage of calcium, according to a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. While milk consumption declined 25 percent during the same time period, drinking milk was linked to a lower BMI and a higher intake of calcium. Researchers studied the beverage choices of more than 2,000 adolescent girls who participated in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study. The 10-year study collected food diaries for girls beginning at ages 9 or 10 years until age 19 years. Of all beverages, increasing soda consumption predicted the greatest increase of BMI and the lowest increase in calcium intake. The researchers suggest that decreased calcium intake may contribute to the risk of obesity through the effects of calcium on fat absorption or the regulation of fat metabolism. They conclude that "public health efforts are needed to help adolescents gain access to and choose healthful beverages and decrease intake of beverages of minimal nutritional value." In an accompanying editorial, Dr. William H. Dietz, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adds that this research is cause for action. He suggests that "reduced consumption of high-calorie, nutrient-poor beverages may help reduce or prevent childhood obesity." He also states that "because milk provides an important source of calcium in the diets of children and adolescents, the decline in girls? milk consumption at a time when bone mineral deposition may predispose to eventual osteoporosis is a major concern." Striegel RH, Thompson D, Affenito SG, Franko DL, Obarzanek E, Barton BA, Schreiber GB, Daniels SR, Schmidt M, Crawford PB. Correlates of beverage intake in adolescent girls: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study. Journal of Pediatrics. 2006; 148: 183-7. Dietz WH. Sugar-sweetened beverages, milk intake, and obesity in children and adolescents. Journal of Pediatrics. 2006; 148: 152-4. View Study View Editorial Workout with Chocolate Milk Researchers at Indiana University found that athletes who drank chocolate milk after an intense bout of exercise were able to workout longer during a second workout when compared to athletes who drank certain sports beverages. The new study, published in this month's International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, suggests that chocolate milk is an effective recovery aid after strenuous exercise by helping refresh fatigued muscles, which may lead to enhanced performance in future workouts. Researchers had nine cyclists bike until their muscles were depleted of energy, rest four hours, then bike again until exhaustion, three separate times. During the rest period, the cyclists sipped one of three beverages; lowfat chocolate milk, a common fluid replacement drink or a carbohydrate replacement drink. During the second round of exercise, the researchers found that the cyclists who drank chocolate milk during the rest period were able to bike nearly twice as long before reaching exhaustion than those who consumed the carbohydrate replacement drink and as long as those who consumed the fluid replacement drink. Researchers theorize that the combination of carbohydrates and protein found in chocolate milk is what helped enhance the cyclists' performance and suggest that flavored milk may be an optimal beverage for refueling muscles after exercise. The researchers also note that chocolate milk is a great-tasting and cost-effective alternative to certain sports drinks. Karp JR, Johnston JD, Tecklenburg S, Mickleborough TD, Fly AD, Stager JM. Chocolate milk as a post-exercise recovery aid. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2006; 16: 78-91. View Study Press Release Kids Need Their Milk A new report released today by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reinforces that eating calcium-rich foods like milk during childhood years helps build strong bones and may prevent the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. The AAP also advocates that parents teach healthy habits by example and encourages pediatricians to regularly ensure that their patients are getting enough calcium from their diets. The report indicates that most people can meet their calcium needs by consuming 3 servings of milk, flavored milk, cheese or yogurt each day, choosing low-fat varieties often. Seventy-two percent of dietary calcium in the U.S. food supply comes from milk and other dairy foods. In addition to calcium, milk is the number one source of several key nutrients in the American diet, including potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. The statement also emphasizes a parent's role in demonstrating healthy habits and teaching by example. Parental role modeling, both in choosing nutrient-rich foods like milk and engaging in daily physical activity, is an important way to ensure that kids develop good eating and exercising habits early. American Academy of Pediatrics, Optimizing bone health and calcium intakes of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2006; 117 (2):578-585. View Policy Statement Study Strengthens Milk's Fat Burning Link Most people know that to lose weight, they'll need to eat less and move more. However, a new study suggests you may have better luck if you include milk in your new routine. Published in the December issue of Obesity Research by scientists at the University of Colorado, new research provides more insight into why consuming dairy foods is linked with weight and fat loss. This well-controlled study found that when adults on a reduced-calorie diet exercised and consumed 3 to 4 servings of dairy foods daily, their metabolism changed so their bodies burned more fat compared to adults only consuming 1 serving of dairy under the same conditions. This research shows how reducing calories and exercising while consuming adequate dairy foods can help improve the body's ability to burn fat. The scientists suggest the reason for the increased fat burning may be related to certain hormones in the body that regulate fat breakdown and oxidation (the burning of fat). The calcium in dairy foods appears to suppress these hormones. Melanson EL, Donahoo WT, Dong F, Ida T, Zemel MB. Effects of low- and high-calcium dairy-based diets on macronutrient oxidation in humans.?Obesity Research. 2005; 13: 1-11. View Study Press Release Drink Milk, Burn Fat? Drinking a glass of milk at every meal may help you burn more fat and calories throughout the day, suggests a new study in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers at Purdue University found that women who consumed 3 to 4 servings of milk and milk products each day during the year-long study burned more fat and calories from a meal compared to women who ate little dairy. ?br> The study compared the effects of a low-dairy diet (1-2 servings) to a high-dairy diet (3-4 servings) among 19 normal weight women without restricting calories. The high-dairy group increased their calcium intake by primarily drinking more lowfat or fat-free milk (from less than 800 mg to 1000-1400 mg per day). ?br> The goal of the study was to examine the mechanism behind dairy's reported role in enhancing fat loss. A growing body of evidence has shown that higher intakes of calcium and dairy are associated with greater fat loss, but little is known about how and why it works. ?br> The researchers found that increasing dairy intake appears to suppress a hormone in the body, which may help increase fat oxidation, or the amount of fat that's burned. From the results of this study, the researchers put together a rough calculation based on the increased fat burned from a meal that suggests a high-dairy diet followed over a year could potentially result in the loss of 10 pounds of fat. ?br> Gunther GW, Lyle RM, Legowski PA, James JM, McCabe LD, McCabe GP, Peacock M, Teegarden D. Fat oxidation and its relation to serum parathyroid hormone in young women enrolled in a 1-y dairy calcium intervention. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 82: 1228-1234. ?br> View Study Milk Linked to Lower Blood Pressure Drinking milk and eating more plant-based foods may help you reduce your blood pressure, suggests a new study in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers studied more than 4,000 men and women (aged 18-30 years) in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adult (CARDIA) Study, and found that the participants who drank milk and ate more plant foods (especially whole grains, fruits and nuts) had a lower incidence of high blood pressure. Over the 15-year study, nearly a quarter of the participants developed high blood pressure, but those with dietary patterns high in plant-based foods and milk had a lower incidence of the condition. Researchers speculated that plant foods and milk may offer beneficial effects on blood pressure through their rich array of nutrients (including fiber, calcium, potassium and magnesium) and their impact satiety, body mass, and insulin sensitivity. Steffen LM, Kroenke CH, Yu X, Pereira MA, Slattery ML, Van Horn L, Gross MD, and Jacobs DR. Associations of plant food, dairy product, and meat intakes with 15-y incidence of elevated blood pressure in young black and white adults: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 82: 1169-1177. ?br> View Study Milk Your Diet and Feel Full Including milk in your weight loss plan may help you stay on track, suggests a new Australian study that found protein-rich foods such as lowfat milk, lean meat, beans and nuts helped people feel full longer. ?br> Researchers followed 57 obese people for 16 weeks. While both groups were allowed approximately 1,400 calories a day, half followed a low-fat, higher protein eating plan (about 35 percent of calories from protein) and half followed a high-fat diet that was lower in protein (18 percent of calories from protein). Participants on the high-protein diet reported feeling more satisfied and less hungry for three hours after their meals than did dieters who ate high-fat meals. After two months, both groups averaged a 20-pound loss because they consumed the same number of calories. ?br> Satiety, or a feeling of fullness, is emerging as a critical factor in weight management. An 8-ounce glass of fat free milk provides 8 grams of protein or 16 percent of the daily value. It's a good source of protein in exchange for 0 grams of fat. ?br> Noakes M, Moran L, Luscombe-Marsh N, Keogh J, Clifton P. The satiating effect of dietary protein is unrelated to post-prandial ghrelin secretion. North American Association for the Study of Obesity. 2005. Abstract 17-OR. ?br> View Abstract Low Calcium Intake Linked to Higher Body Fat in Children A shortage of milk might lead to an abundance of body fat, suggests a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Tennessee at Memphis who found that children and adolescents who do not get enough calcium also have higher body fat levels. This study found that that less than 15 percent of girls and only 37 percent of boys get the recommended amounts of calcium. The researchers analyzed data from 280 children and adolescents participating in the Youth and Adolescent Healthy Osteo Outcomes study. They concluded that low calcium intakes may be a predictor for higher body fat percentage and body fat levels. ?br> Lucchesi M, McClanahan B, Ward K, Lanctot J, Clemens L. Calcium intake and body composition in children. North American Association for the Study of Obesity. 2005. Abstract 234-P. ?br> A possible reason for the study findings may be that teenagers get more of their calories from soft drinks and sugary fruit drinks than any other food -- about 13 percent of their total calories. These sweet drinks are also the single greatest source of added sugar, providing more than half of all added sugars in a teen's diet. Consumption of sweetened, empty-calorie sodas and fruit drinks increases as children get older, while milk consumption declines. ?br> Murphy M, Douglass J, Latulippe M, Barr S, Johnson R, Frye C. Beverages as a source of energy and nutrients in diets of children and adolescents. Experimental Biology 2005, Abstract # 275.4. View Abstract Preventing Hypertension A new study suggests that there's a better beverage choice for people worried about hypertension — lowfat milk. Published in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study found that people who drink more lowfat and fat-free milk may be at a lower risk for high blood pressure, or hypertension. Press Release Chronic Calcium Shortages Women continue to come up short on calcium, according to researchers from Creighton University who estimate that 85 percent of postmenopausal women have low calcium intakes. Robert P. Heaney and colleagues analyzed calcium intake data from 11,474 postmenopausal women in six different osteoporosis trials conducted over the last 10 years. The women reported an average calcium intake of 727 mg/day, which was slightly higher than the recently released 2004 national consumption data of 660 mg/day. The percent of women with low calcium intake ranged from 65 to 93 percent. Most women in this country fail to get the calcium they need. The latest government surveys indicate that 9 out of 10 women do not meet current calcium recommendations. Milk is one of the richest and most convenient sources of calcium. Three 8-ounce glasses provides 900 mg of calcium. Heaney RP, Magowan S, Zhou X, Boonen S. Prevalence of Low Calcium Intake in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women: The Need for Supplementation. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Conference. 2005. Abstract #M276. Not Filling Calcium Gaps Another recent study from Creighton found that the majority of women diagnosed with osteoporosis are not taking calcium supplements. This analysis of the self-administered National Health and Wellness Survey looked at nearly 2,000 women who were clinically diagnosed with osteoporosis. In 2003, only 36 percent of the women reported taking a calcium supplement, and that percentage dropped to 33 percent in 2004. That makes it even more important for these women to look for dietary sources of calcium. Chow WY, Heaney RP. Underutilization of Calcium in an Osteoporotic Population. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Conference. 2005. Abstract # M273. Too Little Vitamin D A multi-country study (that included 18 different countries) from the Netherlands found that many women with osteoporosis are lacking in vitamin D. In this study of more than 2,000 postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis, 62 percent of the women had inadequate levels of vitamin D. While sunlight causes the body to produce vitamin D, it did not appear to be a factor in the study. Vitamin D levels were not higher in the summer months, nor were they affected by the country's proximity to the equator. Vitamin D works hand in hand with calcium to build and maintain strong, healthy bones. It helps the body absorb calcium, deposit calcium in bones and teeth and also optimizes bone mineralization. Milk is an excellent source of vitamin D; each 8-ounce serving provides about 25 percent of the Daily Value. Lips P, Chandler J, Lippuner K, Ragi E, Norquist J, Delmas P, Hosking D. High Prevalence of Vitamin D Inadequacy among Community Dwelling Post-Menopausal Women with Osteoporosis. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Conference. 2005. Abstract# M275. Obesity Research (July 2005): A new study published in Obesity Research suggests that drinking milk while dieting may help you double the amount of weight you lose.?The new research also suggests that milk may help you lose the fat and keep the muscle - even if you're not trying to lose weight.?This is third clinical trial in the last two years that has reinforced milk's role in enhancing weight loss efforts when included as part of a reduced-calorie diet.?? Researchers at the University of Tennessee studied the impact of increasing milk intake in a group of overweight African American adults who typically drank little or no milk.?They found the study participants who increased their milk intake to three glasses a day lost about twice as much weight and body fat as those who drank their usual one glass or less.? For more information about the study, click here. Kids Drink More Milk at School with Cool New Flavors, Packaging (July 19, 2005): New milk research suggests that simple marketing and product improvements can help students choose a healthier alternative at school, and increase milk consumption by up to 34 percent. More information Statement from Dairy Industry in Response to PCRM Lawsuit (June 27, 2005): A growing body of scientific research continues to strengthen the connection between dairy consumption and weight management. More information All That Calcium, and Maybe Weight Control Too (June 14, 2005): The New York Times' view of milk and weight loss. More information Recent Harvard Study is Confusing Parents About the Importance of Milk (June 2005): The findings in the new study are about calories, not milk. The body of research makes it crystal clear that teens need milk to build a healthy body. More information Archives of Internal Medicine (May 2005): With today's escalating rates of obesity, it's lead to an epidemic of type 2 diabetes, which currently affects 16 million Americans. But a new study suggests it may be possible to reduce the risk of developing the disease by simply drinking more lowfat milk. Researchers at Harvard followed more than 40,000 men for 12 years. They found that the men who drank more milk, particularly fat-free milk, were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. In fact, for each serving of milk per day that men drank, the researchers saw a 9 percent lower risk. The researchers are not sure why milk had such a protective effect against type 2 diabetes, but they believe it may have something to do with the mix of nutrients in milk; which previous studies have shown may reduce the risk of being overweight or obese. Other studies have found that drinking milk may help prevent insulin resistance syndrome or pre-diabetes. This is the first study to show a connection between increased milk consumption and the prevention of diabetes. For more information about this study, click here. To view clips from Dr. Janet King, click here. Journal of the American College of Nutrition (April 2005): A new study published in April's Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that drinking milk is vital to getting adequate amounts of potassium, a nutrient that most Americans don't get enough of.?The research conducted at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, found that only those people who drank milk met the current recommendations for potassium.?In fact, milk contributes more potassium in the American diet than any other food. The recommended potassium intake for adults is 4,700 mg each day, however, more than 90 percent of Americans are not meeting these recommendations.?Potassium is one of the "problem" nutrients called out in the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans because it's one of the seven nutrients that are chronically low in the typical American diet.?Getting too little potassium could increase your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.?Potassium has also been linked to better bone density, along with calcium. For more information about this study, click here. "The Efficacy of Chocolate Milk as a Recovery Aid" (June 2004): A new study suggests chocolate milk may be an ideal exercise recovery drink to refuel exhausted muscles — allowing for future enhanced performance. Researchers at the University of Indiana found that chocolate milk effectively helped athletes recover from an intense workout. Researchers gave cyclists commercial sports drinks and chocolate milk after exercising to the point of exhaustion. They found that chocolate milk was nearly twice as effective compared to a commercial sports drink as a recovery product, and the athletes liked the taste of chocolate milk a lot better. The researchers conclude that chocolate milk contains an ideal carbohydrate to protein ratio to make it an effective fuel for recharging muscles after exercise. Abstract of the Indiana University study [Go Back] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |