Dairy and health Archives - FrieslandCampina InstituteFrieslandCampina Institute

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.

Can people with lactose intolerance consume dairy products?

Many Europeans and some populations in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia can digest lactose throughout life thanks to the presence of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. This is called lactase persistence. Most people who cannot tolerate lactose can digest about 12 grams of lactose per day. This is equal to a large glass (250 ml) of milk. Yoghurt contains less lactose and semi-hard cheeses hardly contain any lactose.

Nutritional differences between milk and plant-based drinks

Milk has been consumed for around 10,000 years. Milk and milk products are part of the everyday diet of many. Milk naturally contains essential nutrients like protein, calcium, potassium, phosphor, iodine and vitamins B2 and B12. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in beverages based on soy, hemp, coconut, oat, rice and nuts.

Milk and bone health

Genetics are a major determinant for strong bones and account for 60 to 80% of the variation in peak bone mass, i.e. the maximum bone density. Nutrition and exercise also play important roles in the development of the bones while growing (children) and in the bone tissue maintenance phase for adults and elderly people. Health authorities agree that calcium, protein and phosphorus from, among others, milk support the development and maintenance of the bones mass.

Which factors are involved in building muscle after strength training?

Muscle mass in adults is reasonably stable with muscle tissue constantly being built up and broken down. Normally this breakdown and build-up are balanced, therefore the muscle mass remains stable. One of the purposes of this continual breakdown and build-up of muscle tissue is to replace damaged muscle proteins or to adapt the composition of the muscle tissue to training.

Cow’s milk protein allergy

2-7% of babies and toddlers and 0.1-0.5% of adults are allergic to the protein in cow's milk. The duration of the allergy to the cow’s milk protein varies, but most children will have outgrown this allergy by the age of two to three years. Although it is often stated that the number of children with cow’s milk protein allergy is increasing, there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Do adults need calcium?

Calcium is the most common mineral in our bodies. There is scientific proof that we need sufficient amounts of calcium in our nutrition. This is relevant for every phase in life, both old and young. Calcium supports the build-up of bone mass with children and with adults the mineral contributes to the maintenance of bones, normal blood clotting and proper functioning of muscles and nerves.

Is a calcium supplement a good alternative to drinking milk?

Milk provides a variety of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B2 and B12 and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iodine. Therefore, milk naturally contains much more than calcium. Calcium supplements may be seen as an addition to the amount of calcium that is obtained from food, but not as an adequate replacement of a healthy and varied diet.