Declining Dairy Consumption Among Chilean Youth Raises Nutritional Concerns

Nutritionists in Chile are expressing concern over the insufficient consumption of dairy products by children and adolescents in the country. They emphasize that this trend could negatively affect bone development and the intake of essential nutrients during critical growth stages. Carla Leiva Rodríguez, a nutritionist from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, highlighted the irreplaceable role of natural dairy products in providing calcium, high-value proteins, vitamin B12, and probiotics.

The period between ages 17 and 23 is particularly crucial as it marks the peak of bone mass accumulation. During this time, the daily calcium requirement reaches 1,300 milligrams, the highest throughout life, necessitating the consumption of four to six dairy servings per day to meet this demand. However, current consumption patterns show a reliance on products containing sugar and maltodextrin, which do not offer the same benefits as natural milk or yogurt.

Besides calcium, dairy products supply vitamin B12, essential for neuronal myelination, and iodine, a key nutrient for growth and thyroid function. Milk also acts as a vehicle for vitamin D fortification, promoting calcium absorption. Studies mentioned indicate that the habit of consuming dairy starts to decline at an early age, often replaced by sugary drinks and industrial juices.

To address this issue, Leiva suggested incorporating dairy into preschool and school programs three to five times a week and enhancing family-targeted nutritional education campaigns. She also noted that dietary decisions are primarily made at home, underscoring the importance of family involvement in establishing healthy eating habits.

Regarding whole dairy products, recent studies challenge the belief that their saturated fats increase cholesterol levels. Current evidence suggests that dairy consumption may have a neutral effect or even help reduce obesity rates due to its satiating properties. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its cardiovascular benefits, includes milk and fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cultured milk.

Specialists argue that promoting adequate dairy consumption remains a fundamental strategy to improve child and adolescent nutrition and support proper bone formation during growth stages.