THIS MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS
August 2008
DAIRY CHECKOFF UPDATE View PDF
CHECKOFF-FUNDED STUDY SHOWS CALCIUM IMPROVES CHILDREN'S BONE HEALTH
A recent study found that higher intakes of calcium may significantly improve bone health in children. Nutrient-rich dairy foods provide an excellent source of calcium.
In the study led by Michael Huncharek, a physician and director of the Meta-Analysis Research Group, researchers assessed data from 21 randomized clinical trials with more than 3,800 children to determine how the intake of dietary calcium affects bone mineral content (BMC), a marker for bone strength in children.
The analysis revealed that children who had inadequate calcium consumption prior to the study experienced a substantial increase in their total body BMC — approximately 25 times greater than children who already consumed adequate amounts of calcium. These findings show that for those children who have inadequate calcium intake, increasing dietary calcium delivers a significant impact to bone development.
“These findings continue to support the research that shows milk is an important source of calcium, which helps build and maintain strong bones, muscles and teeth in children,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, a registered dietician and senior vice president of Nutrition Affairs for the National Dairy Council, the nutrition research and education arm of the dairy checkoff. “Consuming three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods each day gives children not only the calcium they need, but also eight other essential nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus and protein.”
Dairy producers, through their dairy checkoff investment, funded the study that further supports the nutritional benefits of milk and other dairy foods. Maintaining adequate calcium intake during childhood and adolescence is necessary for the development of peak bone mass, which may reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seven of 10 teen boys and nine of 10 teen girls do not get adequate calcium. Consuming the recommended three servings of dairy a day helps children get the amount of calcium that may help reduce their risk of osteoporosis later in life.
For more information on bone health and the health benefits of dairy foods, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.
New Starbucks® Drinks Use Dairy Protein
Starbucks® Coffee Company recently launched two new nutritious drinks made with a proprietary dairy whey protein and fiber powder the company developed with the help of the producer-funded dairy checkoff. The new beverages, Vivanno™ Nourishing Blends, come in two flavors — orange mango banana and banana chocolate.
The beverages consist of a whole banana, whey protein and fiber powder, the customer’s choice of milk, and ice. The new drinks offer at least 16 grams of protein, five grams of fiber and at least one serving of fruit. A 16-ounce drink has 270 calories or less, and no artificial colors, artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup.
Dairy checkoff staff worked closely with research and development personnel at Starbucks to create products containing dairy ingredients such as whey protein — a high-quality protein found naturally in dairy. Whey protein provides the nutrition, flavor, functionality, and value necessary for great-tasting, healthy products that can succeed in the marketplace.
“Overall, dairy ingredients serve functional roles in many foods and beverages,” said Paul Rovey, Arizona dairy producer and chairman of Dairy Management Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff. “The use of whey protein in these drinks is good news for dairy producers. With more than 15,000 locations worldwide, Starbucks presents an enormous opportunity to help us build sales.”
###