Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Dairy Important?

Dairy plays an important role in protecting our bodies from injury and disease as well as providing our bodies with vital nutrients. Calcium and vitamin D are the key nutrients found in dairy. Many Americans do not get enough calcium or vitamin D in their diets. If you do not get enough of these vitamins and minerals, you could be at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis or low bone mass. Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by low bone mass and weak bones. Having this disease can make it easier to break bones. Also, your bones are responsible for allowing your body to move, supporting your body and maintaining your immunity. If your bones are diseased, it will be very difficult to function. This is why making sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D on a daily basis is important.

Calcium and vitamin D consumption is especially important for children who are still growing. Calcium and vitamin D consumption at an early age helps to build strong teeth and bones. In addition, building strong teeth and bones at an earlier age will help prevent injury at a later age. The daily requirements for calcium are different for people of various ages:

• A low fat diet that included 2-3 servings of dairy foods and 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables significantly lowered blood pressure.
• This low fat, high dairy diet has been found to be more effective in African-Americans, lowering blood pressure an average of 13mm Hg, which is a similar to the response produced by medication.
• African-American women who have a calcium rich diet have a lower body mass index than women with lower calcium diets.
• When African-American males increased their calcium intake from 400mg/day to 1000mg/day for a year decreased their body fat.

Sources:

• National Dairy Council
• American Dietetic Association