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News Alert Archives
National Medical Association Report encourages 3-4 servings of dairy a day for all African Americans to reduce chronic disease risk
Washington, DC, December 7, 2004 – African Americans should get 3-4 servings of dairy a day to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, according to a new Consensus Report announced today by the National Medical Association (NMA). These findings were based on research that suggests calcium, and other components of dairy products, provide significant health benefits.
"New information shows a clear, beneficial relationship between a healthy diet with three to four daily servings of lowfat dairy products and the reduction of obesity and hypertension, as well as risk reduction for several diseases that affect African Americans, including heart disease and colon cancer," said NMA President Winston Price, M.D. "As health professionals, it is important that we educate our patients regarding the benefits of this positive lifestyle change."
Overcoming Barriers to Dairy Consumption
The vast majority of African Americans (86 percent) get only about half of the daily recommended amount of calcium1 and only half eat one or more servings of dairy a day. Of particular concern, 83 percent of African-American children (ages 2-17) are not getting enough calcium.1 The NMA Report includes new research from the African American Lactose Intolerance Understanding Study (AALIUS), which looked at the reasons behind this trend. One reason is that some African Americans are lactose intolerant, other reasons include cultural and taste preferences. New data from AALIUS show that the majority of African Americans do not classify themselves as lactose intolerant which was a surprising discovery from previous estimates. For those who have experienced symptoms of lactose intolerance, a full 85 percent said if they knew they could avoid symptoms, they would add more milk and dairy products to their diets.3
These findings are important as it means while lactose intolerance occurs in some of the population, African Americans don’t have to give up dairy foods – and ultimately their health benefits.
"Concerns about lactose intolerance often prevent African Americans from eating dairy products, however the good news is that lactose intolerance doesn’t mean dairy intolerance," said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., chairperson of the NMA Women’s Health Section and chair of the NMA Consensus Committee regarding this issue. "I recommend that you find the dairy options that work best for you. Everyone could try a smaller glass of milk with food or enjoy an aged cheese like Swiss that is naturally low in lactose."
Good Habits Start at Home
The study also finds that African-American children, especially those between ages 2 and 12, drink milk less often at all meals compared to the balance of the population under 18 years old.2 Data show that when milk is offered at lunches outside the home (primarily in schools), African-American children enjoy it at levels comparable to the balance of the population.2
"At home, parents have a great opportunity to be positive role models and reverse the trend of low calcium intake among African-American kids, as parents who drink milk have kids who drink milk," said Jeanette Newton Keith, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago, and NMA consensus committee member.
Other new research reviewed by the Consensus Committee shows that dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt may have significant health benefits beyond strong bones. A growing body of research suggests dairy foods may play a role in weight management when coupled with a balanced, reduced-calorie diet.4 Another recent study shows that eating 3-4 servings of dairy each day as part of a healthy diet could lead to significant healthcare cost savings.5
For additional information about the National Medical Association and the Consensus Report visit www.nmanet.org. For more information on the benefits of dairy foods, tips for enjoying dairy and health professional resources, visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org.
The National Medical Association is the nation's largest and oldest organization addressing the health issues affecting African American and underserved populations. The Association represents the interests of more than 30,000 physicians primarily of African descent in more than 25 medical specialties.
Sources:
1. NPD Group Diet Intake Estimation Tool (DIET) database
2. NPD Group National Eating Trends® (NET®) database
3. Dairy Consumption and Lactose Intolerance among African Americans, as yet unpublished quantitative consumer research study conducted among a nationally representative sample of African American adults by NPD Foodworld.
4. Zemel, MB. Role of dietary calcium and dairy products in modulating adiposity. Lipids. 2003; 38(2):139-146.
5. McCarron DA, Heaney RP. Estimated healthcare savings associated with adequate dairy food intake. American Journal of Hypertension. 2004; 17 (1)88-97.
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