Dairy and health Archives - FrieslandCampina InstituteFrieslandCampina Institute

Does dairy have an effect on the health of heart and blood vessels?

Health authorities advises to consume skimmed or semi-skimmed milk and dairy products, because of the energy and saturated fat content. Recent scientific research shows that the relationship between milk and heart and blood vessels seems to be more complex than previously assumed.

Milk and weight management

Physical activity and a healthy and varied diet are important in maintaining a healthy weight. People who eat and drink more than the energy they expend will gain weight, no matter what they eat or drink. Some people believe that dairy foods like, milk, yoghurt and cheese are fattening. However science does not support this.

A more sustainable food pattern: what does that look like?

Due to a growing world population and increasing prosperity, the demand for good nutrition that provides an optimal intake of nutrients with a low impact on the environment is growing (1). The science behind food sustainability is a developing area and it is important to consider both the nutritional and environmental impact of dietary advice.

Sustainable as well as healthy food

Due to a growing world population and increasing prosperity, the demand for good nutrition that provides an optimal intake of nutrients is growing. This affects the environmental impact. Feeding the growing world population in a responsible way requires sustainable and healthy nutrition, or in other words, a sustainable diet. Being a staple food product, milk fits in well with a healthy and sustainable diet.

Biomarkers of dairy fat consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes

Fat-reduced dairy products are usually recommended over whole-fat dairy products, because they contain less calories and saturated fat. However, clinical trials do not consistently show an improvement of cardiometabolic risk factors when comparing low fat dairy consumption to whole-fat or overall dairy consumption. Similarly, the possible effects of dairy fat consumption on the risk of type 2 diabetes are not well established.

Dietary patterns in relation to fracture risk and low bone mineral density

Osteoporosis is characterized by a low bone mineral density and compromised bone strength. Many factors contribute to low bone mineral density and osteoporosis such as gender, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, loss of estrogen and nutritional factors mainly related to adequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D.

Choosing nutrient-rich over nutrient-poor foods for better diet quality

The general principle of nutrient density is the concentration of nutrients per amount of food or caloric contribution of that food. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) defined nutrient-dense foods as those that “provide vitamins, minerals, and other substances that contribute to adequate nutrient intakes or may have positive health effects, with little or no solid fats and added sugars, refined starches, and sodium.”

Attention required for strong bones with a vegan diet

What is the effect of a vegan diet on bone mineral density? Researchers Iguacel et al., (2018) have investigated the effect of different diets on bone health in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The history of dairy

Crop farmers and cattle farmers first began to keep cows about 10,000 years ago. They discovered that cows can convert grass, which is indigestible for humans, into the valuable food product milk. This was the perfect solution for people in areas where no other crops could grow.

Vitamin D and combined supplementation with calcium

Globally, the incidence and prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency is on the rise (1). Approximately more than half of the world’s population have vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (1). Fortunately, this disorder can be easily modified with minimal cost. Recently, Wimalawansa et al (2018) published a review on the function of vitamin D and its supplementation in various populations.