Dec 17, 2003 10:12 ET

Kids Who Eat More Dairy May Enjoy an Added Health Benefit: Lower Body Fat

-- New JADA study finds dairy foods linked to lower body fat in children --

ROSEMONT, Ill., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA) found that higher intake of dietary calcium, such as that found in milk, cheese and yogurt, is associated with lower body fat in young children.


The study's lead author, Jean Skinner, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recommends children be encouraged to: 1) regularly eat calcium-rich foods, such as lowfat milk and yogurt; 2) increase physical activity; and 3) restrict intake of carbonated soft drinks and other low-nutrient beverages.


This study is an extension of earlier research published by the same group, and one of the first to directly examine the relationship between dietary calcium intake and body fatness in children. Results suggest that dietary calcium may play a role in preventing childhood obesity. "Even a slight decrease in body fat during childhood may reduce the risk of obesity in later childhood, adolescence and adulthood," said Dr. Skinner. "Parents, educators and health professionals can help children develop healthy lifestyle habits early by teaching them to choose and enjoy nutrient-rich foods like dairy more often."


The longitudinal study looked at 52 children, from age 2 to age 8, and their mothers. Results showed that dietary calcium and polyunsaturated fat intake were associated with a lower percentage of body fat, while female gender and sedentary activity were among the factors associated with a higher percentage of body fat. Milk and other dairy products were the main sources of dietary calcium in the study, with milk alone accounting for 50 percent of the total calcium intake.


"This study reinforces the importance of parents as role models when it comes to developing healthy habits. Moms and dads who drink milk and eat yogurt have kids who drink milk and eat yogurt," said Althea Zanecosky, RD, National Dairy Council. "Getting three servings of calcium-rich dairy foods is as easy as a glass of milk, a container of yogurt and a slice of lowfat cheese. Today it's easy for parents to make healthy snack options available to their children."


A commentary in the same issue by Connie Weaver, PhD, professor of food and nutrition at Purdue University, and Carol Boushey, PhD, MPH, RD, assistant professor of food and nutrition, Purdue University, supports the "incorporation of lowfat calcium-rich foods such as skim milk and yogurt in the diets of children" to reduce body fatness.


The dairy case has something for everyone, from fat-free to reduced-fat varieties, to meet all taste preferences and nutritional goals. Convenient, healthy options are plentiful and include yogurt, string cheese, smoothies and lowfat flavored milks in grab-and-go containers.


Visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org for more information on the benefits of dairy foods and healthy weight, and visit www.3aday.org for more nutrition tips and quick and easy recipe ideas.


The American Dairy Association/National Dairy Council (ADA/NDC) is managed by Dairy Management Inc., the nonprofit domestic and international planning and management organization responsible for increasing demand for U.S.- produced dairy products on behalf of America's dairy farmers.


Sources:
-- Skinner JD, et al. Longitudinal calcium intake is negatively related
to children's body fat indexes. Journal of the American Dietetic
Association. 2003; 103(12):1626-1631.

Website: http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org
http://www.3aday.org


Source: National Dairy Council

CONTACT: NDC Media Hotline, +1-312-240-2880


NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information about the study or to schedule an interview with a National Dairy Council spokesperson please call the NDC Media Hotline at (312) 240-2880. The NDC Hotline is staffed by a registered dietitian between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday, excluding holidays

That is great, but it disgusts me when they suggest low fat foods for children!

*argh*

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

I've had a problem finding SUGAR-FREE yogurt, I wish I could, I'd love to add it to my diet, unfortunately low-fat does us no good!

Here's a link to an article on calcium's aid in weight loss.

http://atkins.com/Archive/2003/2/20-495871.html

Cynnie,

You can get the plain whole milk yogurt from the store and mix up your own with splenda SteviaPlus and vanilla

OR

you can make your own yogurt from scratch and do that

OR

you can get kefir from one of us on the site! You can find more info about that in our "caveman" forum.



Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2