Irish Teens' Dairy Consumption Falls Short of Nutritional Guidelines
Source: The DairyNews
A recent study by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) reveals that teenagers in Ireland are consuming less dairy than recommended, with average intakes falling below two servings per day—far from the advised five servings for their age group. This shortfall is concerning given the heightened calcium requirements during the teenage years, which are critical for bone development.
The IUNA National Teens’ Nutrition Survey, which assessed the diets of 428 teenagers aged 13-18 across the Republic of Ireland, uncovered that more than half of the participants had inadequate calcium intakes, and a staggering 94% were not receiving sufficient vitamin D.
A sub-study, sponsored by the National Dairy Council, delved deeper into the role of the 'milk, yogurt, and cheese' food group in the nutritional quality of these teens' diets. The findings, presented at the Nutrition Society Congress 2024 in Belfast, highlighted that high dairy consumers had notably better overall diet quality compared to their peers who consumed less dairy. Key nutrients such as protein, vitamins A, B2, B5, B12, calcium, iodine, zinc, and phosphorus were more abundant in the diets of those with higher dairy intake.
Dr. Breige McNulty of University College Dublin expressed concern at the Congress: “It’s crucial that teenagers consume sufficient calcium and vitamin D during these formative years to build strong bones for life.” She emphasized the importance of these nutrients in laying down bone mass, with vitamin D playing a vital role in calcium absorption.
The study also found that while fruit and vegetable intake was low, unhealthy 'top shelf' foods, including biscuits, cakes, and sugary snacks, comprised 21% of the calorie intake among Irish teens. This dietary imbalance underscores the need for better nutrition education and easier access to healthier food choices.
Emma Kane, the lead researcher, pointed out that teenagers who consumed more dairy maintained a better-quality diet without any adverse effects on their body weight or BMI. The versatility of dairy products, from milk in smoothies to cheese in sandwiches, offers various ways to incorporate these essential nutrients into daily meals.
A sub-study, sponsored by the National Dairy Council, delved deeper into the role of the 'milk, yogurt, and cheese' food group in the nutritional quality of these teens' diets. The findings, presented at the Nutrition Society Congress 2024 in Belfast, highlighted that high dairy consumers had notably better overall diet quality compared to their peers who consumed less dairy. Key nutrients such as protein, vitamins A, B2, B5, B12, calcium, iodine, zinc, and phosphorus were more abundant in the diets of those with higher dairy intake.
Dr. Breige McNulty of University College Dublin expressed concern at the Congress: “It’s crucial that teenagers consume sufficient calcium and vitamin D during these formative years to build strong bones for life.” She emphasized the importance of these nutrients in laying down bone mass, with vitamin D playing a vital role in calcium absorption.
The study also found that while fruit and vegetable intake was low, unhealthy 'top shelf' foods, including biscuits, cakes, and sugary snacks, comprised 21% of the calorie intake among Irish teens. This dietary imbalance underscores the need for better nutrition education and easier access to healthier food choices.
Emma Kane, the lead researcher, pointed out that teenagers who consumed more dairy maintained a better-quality diet without any adverse effects on their body weight or BMI. The versatility of dairy products, from milk in smoothies to cheese in sandwiches, offers various ways to incorporate these essential nutrients into daily meals.
