NMPF Applauds Dairy's Role in New U.S. Dietary Guidelines
Source: DairyNews.today
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has welcomed the latest findings from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, marking a significant endorsement for milk, cheese, and yogurt as integral to a healthy diet.
NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud praised the committee's recommendations, which reaffirm the importance of dairy consumption for Americans aged two and older. The guidelines suggest three daily servings of dairy to ensure an adequate intake of critical nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Key Findings on Dairy's Benefits
The committee’s scientific review highlighted the risks of eliminating or reducing dairy in the diet, which could result in deficiencies in essential nutrients. Plant-based alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, were deemed nutritionally inferior to cow's milk, raising concerns about their use as substitutes, especially in school nutrition programs relied upon by children.
“For children, dairy-rich meals are essential to meeting daily nutrient requirements,” Doud noted, emphasizing the role of dairy in supporting overall health.
Accessible Nutrition for All
The committee also underscored the accessibility and affordability of dairy products. For those with lactose intolerance, lactose-free and lactose-reduced dairy options were recommended as viable alternatives, offering the same nutritional benefits without the associated discomfort.
Flavored Milk Debate
One area of contention is the committee’s focus on unflavored milk in its recommendations. While acknowledging the nutritional value of flavored milk, such as chocolate milk, the committee found insufficient evidence linking it to obesity. NMPF argued that flavored milk plays a critical role in encouraging milk consumption among children.
“Flavored milk helps ensure kids get the nutrients they need, even if it comes with a little added sugar,” said Doud.
Advocating for Whole Milk
NMPF also called for greater recognition of whole milk’s benefits. Emerging research suggests that whole milk may support better growth and bone health in children and is not associated with increased heart disease risk. The federation is pushing for these findings to be incorporated into the final guidelines, expected next year.
Future Outlook
Doud expressed confidence in the committee's science-backed conclusions on dairy’s role in a healthy diet, while acknowledging areas for further advocacy, such as whole milk’s inclusion and expanded support for flavored milk.
“As dairy producers, we’re proud to see our products recognized for their importance to the health and nutrition of millions of Americans,” Doud said. “These findings reflect decades of research and reaffirm dairy’s place at the table.”
The NMPF plans to continue championing dairy in the final version of the Dietary Guidelines, which will shape federal nutrition policies and programs for years to come.
Key Findings on Dairy's Benefits
The committee’s scientific review highlighted the risks of eliminating or reducing dairy in the diet, which could result in deficiencies in essential nutrients. Plant-based alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, were deemed nutritionally inferior to cow's milk, raising concerns about their use as substitutes, especially in school nutrition programs relied upon by children.
“For children, dairy-rich meals are essential to meeting daily nutrient requirements,” Doud noted, emphasizing the role of dairy in supporting overall health.
Accessible Nutrition for All
The committee also underscored the accessibility and affordability of dairy products. For those with lactose intolerance, lactose-free and lactose-reduced dairy options were recommended as viable alternatives, offering the same nutritional benefits without the associated discomfort.
Flavored Milk Debate
One area of contention is the committee’s focus on unflavored milk in its recommendations. While acknowledging the nutritional value of flavored milk, such as chocolate milk, the committee found insufficient evidence linking it to obesity. NMPF argued that flavored milk plays a critical role in encouraging milk consumption among children.
“Flavored milk helps ensure kids get the nutrients they need, even if it comes with a little added sugar,” said Doud.
Advocating for Whole Milk
NMPF also called for greater recognition of whole milk’s benefits. Emerging research suggests that whole milk may support better growth and bone health in children and is not associated with increased heart disease risk. The federation is pushing for these findings to be incorporated into the final guidelines, expected next year.
Future Outlook
Doud expressed confidence in the committee's science-backed conclusions on dairy’s role in a healthy diet, while acknowledging areas for further advocacy, such as whole milk’s inclusion and expanded support for flavored milk.
“As dairy producers, we’re proud to see our products recognized for their importance to the health and nutrition of millions of Americans,” Doud said. “These findings reflect decades of research and reaffirm dairy’s place at the table.”
The NMPF plans to continue championing dairy in the final version of the Dietary Guidelines, which will shape federal nutrition policies and programs for years to come.
