Vol. 12 No.4

For More Information:
Lana Frantzen, M.S.
Communications Director
Toll-Free 888.897.8744
Cell Phone 210.845.3819
FrantzeL@dairymax.org

Clearing up Confusion about Conventional, rBST-Free and Organic Milk

Despite Label Claims, Milks’ Composition is the Same

A study published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association compared three varieties of retail milk including conventional, organic and recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST)-free milk.

More than 330 samples of milk from 48 states were tested for quality (antibiotics and bacterial counts), nutritional value (fat, protein, and solids), and hormone levels (somatotropin, insulin-like growth factor-1, estradiol and progesterone).

The authors concluded that there are no meaningful differences in the composition of conventional, rbST-free or organic labeled milk in terms of measured quality, nutritional value and hormone levels. The authors also noted that food and nutrition professionals serve to communicate this accurate information to the public so consumers can make informed purchase decisions about milk based on science, not misleading marketing label claims.

Vicini J, et al. Survey of retail milk composition as affected by label claims regarding farm-management practices. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2008;108:1198-1203.  

Calcium-Rich Dairy Foods May Help Reduce Stroke Risk

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba in Japan recently investigated the association between calcium intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke in Japanese men and women. They collected food intake data from more than 41,500 Japanese subjects between ages 40 to 59, all without a history of heart disease or cancer.

Results indicated that subjects with higher calcium intakes had a lower risk of stroke. They also found that this link was particularly strong when calcium intake was from dairy food consumption. These findings suggest that calcium, especially from dairy foods, may provide a protective effect against stroke. The authors note that clinical trials are necessary to further confirm the beneficial effect of dairy foods for stroke prevention. 

Umesawa M, et al. Dietary calcium intake and risks of stroke, its subtypes, and coronary heart disease in Japanese. Stroke 2008;39:1-8.

Research Shows Young, Active Men Can Recharge With Fat-Free Milk

Drinking Milk After Exercise as Effective as a Commercially Available Sports Drink

Research from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom suggests that drinking milk after exercise may be an effective method of replenishing fluids for young, active, healthy men when exercising in a hot, humid environment. Seven healthy males between the ages of 20 and 26 participated in two randomized, crossover experimental trials in which they completed a series of cycling exercises followed by drinking either fat-free milk or a commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte drink. 

The researchers found that the group who consumed fat-free milk 30 minutes after exercise experienced the same level of fluid replacement as those who drank the commercially available carbohydrate drink. Their data suggest that fat-free milk can serve as an effective post-exercise rehydration drink to replace exercise-induced fluid losses.

Watson P, et al. A comparison of the effects of milk and carbohydrate-electrolyte drink on the restoration of fluid balance and exercise capacity in a hot, humid environment. European Journal of Applied Physiology 2008; published online July 10.

Flavored Milk Consumption Linked to Improved Body Composition in Kids, Taller Boys

Research recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that replacing sugar sweetened beverages with three servings of milk a day may result in greater lean body mass and increased height in children. 

Ninety-eight overweight and obese Chilean children between the ages of 8-10 were enlisted in a 16-week weight intervention program. Each child was randomly assigned to either the intervention group that was instructed to eliminate sugar sweetened beverages and consume three daily servings (each serving was 200mL or about ¾ cup) of flavored milk or the control group which received no instruction regarding diet. 

Body measurements calculated at the conclusion of the study found that replacing sugar sweetened beverages with milk resulted in increased lean body mass and, for boys, increased height. This study emphasizes the important role milk plays in the healthy growth of children. 
Albala C, et al. Effects of replacing the habitual consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with milk in Chilean children. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008;88:605-11.

FAST FACT:
Consumer Research Sheds Light on How to Serve Nutrition Information

Consumer research that sampled 1,019 adults from all regions of the U.S. in September 2008 found the following:

• A majority of Americans (54 percent) are overwhelmed with the information they receive on what to eat and what not to eat.
• Two-thirds of Americans prefer to receive advice on how to build a healthier diet over a lifetime, versus worrying about counting calories and avoiding fat, sugar and salt.
• Sixty-one percent are interested in learning about the beneficial nutrients found in foods and beverages, not just the amount of fat, sugar and salt a food contains.

The nutrient-rich foods (NRF) approach offers a solution to this challenge because it is designed to help Americans get more nutrition from their calories and emphasizes choosing nutrient-rich foods and beverages first from each of the five food groups-milk, fruits, vegetables, grains and meat and beans. 

The NRF approach is a positive, balanced, and complete way of choosing foods to build a healthier diet. It takes into account the complete nutrient package in foods and beverages including vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber, as well as their content of fat, sugar and salt. Eating the nutrient-rich way, Americans can choose the foods they enjoy and feel good about it, too. Visit www.NutrientRichFoods.org to learn more about the nutrient-rich approach.

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