Grupo Lala Aims to Reverse Decline in Mexican Dairy Consumption

Grupo Lala has announced a reconfiguration of its Nutrition and Health Institute in response to declining dairy consumption in Mexico. The country's per capita dairy consumption stands at 131.4 liters annually, significantly lower than the World Health Organization's recommended minimum of 150 liters. Despite being the 14th largest producer of cow's milk globally, Mexico faces several challenges, including socio-economic factors and competition from sugary drinks.

The initiative, led by nutrition specialist Mary Carmen Mondragón, aims to generate scientific evidence on the benefits of dairy consumption. A key focus is on lactose intolerance, which affects 30% of Mexican adults in terms of lactase deficiency. However, only less than 15% exhibit clinical symptoms of intolerance when consuming a standard serving of milk. Recent studies indicate that the digestive system can handle 10 to 15 grams of lactose per serving, and fermented dairy products like yogurt and aged cheeses are better tolerated.

Additionally, the Institute is prioritizing research on how dairy consumption can benefit women during perimenopause and menopause, periods marked by accelerated bone demineralization due to falling estrogen levels. The suppression of dairy in diets can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as high-quality proteins, bioavailable calcium, and vitamins A and D.

In collaboration with academic institutions and health specialists, the Institute aims to improve local data on nutrient digestibility and absorption. This effort aligns with national goals to enhance nutritional standards and food sovereignty. By updating these local databases, the agroindustry can create more efficient and competitive product portfolios.

The overarching goal is to reinvigorate the dairy sector and promote informed purchasing decisions among Mexican consumers, thereby bridging the current consumption gap.