PHILADELPHIA – Dr. Gregory Miller, chief science officer of National Dairy Council, addressed attendees at the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit in mid-February to report on dairy farmer-funded National Dairy Council® (NDC) research that drives consumer consumption trends.
NDC’s nutrition research projects address public health and consumers’ needs, allowing the dairy industry to help deliver innovative products and opportunities, plus new uses for ingredients. As research is published, NDC helps present it in consumer-friendly language to help people increase their awareness of the value of dairy foods in a nutritionally balanced diet, which helps support the health and wellness of Americans. Research topics funded by dairy farmers through NDC range from product formulation to showing the benefits of dairy foods for children’s nutrition and with cardiovascular health.
Citing the recent release of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Dr. Miller emphasized NDC’s role in providing science-based information to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee for consideration during the public comment period. The Dietary Guidelines are the basis for federal nutrition advice, including USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (SNAP).
“We work to ensure the robust science on the role of dairy foods in nutrition and health is available to those providing dietary guidance,” said Dr. Miller. “Our education and outreach efforts around the health benefits of dairy foods align with the dietary guidelines, as well as continually evolving along with the ongoing, emerging research.”
Dr. Miller noted the Dietary Guidelines recommend low-fat and fat-free dairy as part of a healthy diet.
“We have an obesity epidemic in the U.S.,” said Dr. Miller. “Low-fat and fat-free milk are still recommended because they provide fewer calories and the benefits of whole milk and milk products are still emerging.”
Dr. Miller explained current research projects evaluate the health benefits of whole milk and milk products in the diet, including decreased appetite and better ability to regulate blood sugar and lipids. He said results of a nutrition research project published in 2015 showed including whole milk as part of a modified DASH diet improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“We will make sure that this study as well as the growing research on whole milk and other dairy foods are shared as part of the public comments for the next round of the Dietary Guidelines,” said Dr. Miller. “The good news is that people often adapt their eating habits as new science unfolds.”
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Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program are the local planning and management organizations funded by dairy farmer checkoff dollars. They work closely with Dairy Management Inc. ™ and are responsible for increasing demand for dairy products on behalf of Mid-Atlantic dairy farmers. For more information, visit www.dairyspot.com.
About National Dairy Council National Dairy Council® (NDC), the non-profit organization founded by dairy farmers, is committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915, NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications experts across the country. NDC is committed to promoting child health and wellness through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. National Dairy Council programs are implemented locally by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program. For more information, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.
Source: Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association