"The National Dairy Council has always been at the forefront of innovation to meet consumer taste and health needs. Over the years, our science-based research has been a catalyst in creating innovative new dairy foods and beverages, as well as nutritional claims. Our efforts have helped grow sales of dairy consistently on a per capita consumption basis while building trust with consumers who face an array of choices in the grocery aisle.
We stand behind our legacy of research and innovation and believe in sound science to support claims of dairy’s benefits and the role dairy plays in maintaining sustainable nutrition for a global population, regardless of the inflammatory comments any one processor wishes to make. Through the science we have supported, we have been able to demonstrate the role milk and milk products play in nutrition and health. All cow’s milk – from traditional to lactose-free and organic to A2 – provides nine essential nutrients and is associated with bone health, especially among children and adolescents, and reduced risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and lower blood pressure in adults.
While we find the theory behind A2 milk interesting, to date, the science has been limited, with conflicting results and more data needed. The reason we have not performed any of our own research into potential benefits of A2 to date is simple: By the act and order that established the checkoff, farmer dollars cannot be spent on conducting research into proprietary branded products, which is what the milk sold by the a2 Milk Co. has been to this point.
The marketplace has now shifted, and with multiple players entering the category, we are looking into possible research if we feel it is in the best interest of America’s dairy farmers and the dollars they invest, as well as for consumers who look to us to provide them with credible nutrition information.
Our overarching commitment is to invest in research that helps consumers make informed decisions and that leads to consistent and incremental growth for dairy by meeting new consumer need states and opportunities."
Dr. Greg Miller
Global Chief Science Officer for NDC
Source: National Dairy Council
