Research: Nutrition Explorations

Research

New Study Shows That Children Benefit from Drinking Flavored Milk

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children who drink flavored or plain milk consume more nutrients and have a lower or comparable body mass index (BMI - a measure of body fatness) than non-milk drinkers. Find out more.

More Frequent Breakfast Consumption Protects Adolescents from Overweight

Researchers studied more than 2,500 adolescents from ethnically and socio-economically diverse backgrounds and found that eating breakfast was protective of overweight. Read more...

American Academy of Pediatrics Report Recommends Dairy for Strong Bones

The new 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics calcium report recommends 3 servings of dairy a day for children's bone health. Read more...

Nutrition & News Health Alert, July-September, 2006

Compiled by National Dairy Council® this Nutrition & News Health Alert features summaries of a variety of new studies, including: Girls Who Ditch Dairy Miss Out on Nutrients they Need, Dairy Foods May Keep Blood Pressure in Check, and more. Click here.

Reports

The Lowdown on Lactose Intolerance

Most children with lactose intolerance can still drink milk, and in fact need the calcium and other nutrients in milk just as much as other children. Find out all about lactose intolerance in the Cow's Milk Allergy Versus Lactose Intolerance Dairy Council Digest and learn how the National Medical Association recommends that African Americans consume 3 to 4 servings of low-fat dairy per day and the American Academy of Pediatrics states that "many children with lactose intolerance can drink small amounts of milk without discomfort, especially when accompanied by other foods..."

Understanding the Alliance for a Healthier Generation/Soft Drink Industry Guidelines:

The beverage guidelines developed by an agreement between the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the Soft Drink Industry direct the practices of beverage companies, not school districts. More...

Tapping Into the Power: Engaging Parents in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

This Action for Health Kids™ (AFHK) report embodies the importance the organization has always given to involving a variety of audiences to impact schools' approaches to nutrition and physical activity — in this case the all-important role of parents. See how two AFHK state teams have actively engaged parents with targeted programming and how they measured their success.

Building Strong Bones: Starting In the Early Years

This Dairy Council Digest is an excellent summary of recommendations and the research regarding the prevention of osteoporosis, stressing how important it is to take steps in childhood and adolescence.

New FRAC School Breakfast Report Card Shows 8.7% Increase in School Breakfast Participation by Low-income Children

According to the Food Research and Action Center's (FRAC) new report a record 7.7 million low-income children are receiving free and reduced-price breakfasts (2005-06 school year) and represents a steady growth of 8.7%. Studies continue to demonstrate the links between breakfast and learning. Jim Weill, president of FRAC encouraged schools to "adopt steps like Breakfast in the Classroom and reach out to more children." Click here for more information on the FRAC School Breakfast Report. To find out how you can start an Expanding Breakfast Program, click here.

Corn Refiners Association : Questions & Answers About High Fructose Corn Syrup

As with most everything we eat, people can enjoy sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), when consumed in moderation. When it comes to flavored milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee agree that the added sugar in flavored milk does not negate milk's many health benefits. Specifically in regard to HFCS, there is very little difference between sucrose, which is granulated sugar, and HFCS. Once absorbed, they are indistinguishable to the human body. Find out more about HFCS from the Corn Refiners Association Questions & Answers About High Fructose Corn Syrup .

AAP Policy Statement Advocates Restriction of Soft Drinks in Schools

Read about the American Academy of Pediatrics' stand on the need to restrict sweetened drinks in schools and their recommendation to replace these drinks with real fruit or vegetable juices, water and lowfat white or flavored milk. Click here.