Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., R.D.
Distinguished Professor of Nutrition
Department of Nutritional Sciences
The Pennsylvania State University
As a member of the USDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2005, I was a strong proponent of the recommendation to increase milk/dairy product consumption from 2 to 3 servings per day. This recommendation was made on the basis of the contribution that milk and dairy products make to achieving nutrient adequacy. In addition, the Committee recognized the many health benefits of milk/dairy consumption within the context of a healthy diet. The fact that this recommendation was adopted in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 illustrates the strong support of the scientific community for the evidence base that was the foundation for this recommendation. Based on current milk consumption practices, most Americans must increase milk intake between 60 and 100%.
Health Benefits of Dairy Product Consumption
The many significant health benefits of dairy product consumption have been well documented. Epidemiologic and clinical trials show that consumption of/constituents in dairy products help reduce the risk of chronic diseases including osteoporosis, hypertension, excess body weight and fat, insulin resistance syndrome, and some cancers (Dietary Guidelines, Advisory Committee, 2005). Epidemiologic and clinical trials show that consumption of/constituents in dairy products help reduce the risk of chronic diseases including osteoporosis, hypertension, excess body weight and fat, insulin resistance syndrome, and some cancers (Huth et al., 2006; Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2005).
Dairy Products and Decreased Risk of Osteoporosis
Huth et al., 2006 in a review of the literature reported a positive relationship between calcium intake (as dairy products in many studies) and bone health in 68 of 70 controlled intervention studies. Thus, with increasing dairy consumption there is an associated increase in bone mass.
Dairy Products and Decreased Blood Pressure
With respect to hypertension, randomized clinical trials show that diets high in calcium or dairy products decrease blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Study reported that a diet that emphasized fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products; including whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts; and was reduced in red meat, sweets, and beverages with added sugars had a remarkable blood pressure-lowering effect (similar to that typically seen with pharmacologic therapy) (Appel et al, 1997). In blacks, blood pressure reductions (systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure) from the DASH diet (6.9/3.7 mmHg) were significantly greater than corresponding reductions in white participants (3.3/2.4 mmHg).
Dairy Products and Body Weight
Population studies consistently demonstrate a beneficial association between calcium intake, particularly from dairy foods, and lower body weight and lower body fat (Huth et al., 2006). Clinical trial evidence from (Zemel et al. (2004) indicated that a high calcium (1,200-1,300 mg/day) weight loss diet and high dairy (3-4 servings of dairy foods/day) weight loss diet resulted in significantly greater weight and body fat loss than a low calcium (400-500 mg/day) weight loss diet).
Dairy Products and Decreased Risk of Insulin Resistance
Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS) results in a condition where the actions of insulin are blunted, thereby decreasing the biological effects of the hormone. Individuals with IRS are at high risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. In the CARDIA Study, increased dairy consumption was inversely associated strongly with IRS among overweight adults (Pereira et al., 2002). Each additional serving of dairy products was associated with a 21% lower odds ratio of having IRS.
Dairy Products and Decreased Risk of Colon Cancer
An inverse association has been reported between the intake of dairy products and colorectal cancer (reviewed by Alvarez-Leon et al., 2006). Slattery et al., 1997 reported an inverse association between dietary calcium (> 800 mg/day) from milk and other dairy products and risk of colon cancer especially in males.
Impact of the rbST-Scare Campaign on the Health of Americans
Clearly, public health policy advocates consumption of milk and dairy products for optimum health. The new 3-a-Day Recommendation is achievable because there is a plentiful supply of affordable milk and dairy products. It is astonishing that there is an inappropriate and misguided effort ongoing by some anti-biotech activist groups that is designed to frighten consumers about the health benefits of milk. This contrived “good milk versus bad milk” media campaign is designed to scare consumers to avoid milk from cows supplemented with rbST. What is unfortunate is that the milk these activists are promoting, rbST-free, costs more! A whole lot more – as much as 40 cents to $2.20 a gallon more with an average of a $1 per gallon nation-wide when compared with conventional milk from cows supplemented with rbST. As discussed in Terry Etherton’s Blog all milk contains hormones, and there is no difference in the levels of any of these between conventional, rbST-free or organic milk. Thus, all milk is equally safe, wholesome and nutritious. The only difference is price!
My concern is that all of the scary sound bites bombarding consumers coupled with some milk processors and retailers shifting to selling the more expensive rbST-free milk will adversely affect milk consumption. I am a strong advocate of consumer choice. But the fact remains that conventional milk must continue to have a prominent place in the marketplace because it is more affordable (and equally nutritious)!
The National Organization for African Americans in Housing (NOAAH) has voiced concern about this scare campaign. In fact, NOAAH has sent a letter to the FDA encouraging the agency to stop dairy processors from engaging in this deceptive marketing campaign. Kevin Marchman, NOAAH Board Secretary said, “We worry that low-income consumers – fearing “hormones in milk” but unable to afford the more expensive “rbST-free” products – will stop drinking milk all together and opt for less-healthy alternatives.”
I share this concern because of the many health benefits that have been documented for dairy products, and that low-income groups are at higher risk for many chronic diseases than higher income, more affluent groups. With respect to African Americans, there is much higher incidence of hypertension compared with the population. Based on the results of the DASH Study, this population would benefit greatly from the recommendations for milk/dairy product consumption. With obesity and insulin resistance more prevalent in low-income individuals, this population group also would benefit by consuming more milk/dairy products.
It will be incredibly unfortunate if low-income people are presented only with the option of buying higher-price milk. As Mr. Marchman noted, “this deceptive campaign is cheating consumers and raising unwarranted fears.” This will impact milk purchasing decisions and most likely lead to a decreased milk consumption, and an increase in consumption of other less nutritious beverages. However, a bigger concern is that the people who need the milk the most will be hurt the most. They will be forced into a position of not attaining the health benefits of milk/dairy consumption. And, the sad outcome will be that the health disparity gap between the rich and poor in America will widen further. The health consequences of this are terrible! While some in the dairy industry are going to profit if consumption of rbST-free milk increases, it won’t be the poor. In fact, with widespread adoption of rbST-free milk and higher milk costs resulting in a decrease in milk consumption many Americans stand to lose. Guess what? It also is possible that health care costs in the U.S., which are among the highest in the World, will increase further.
What a terrible legacy for the activists who are guiding the ongoing campaign that has no scientific basis, and threatens the health and well being of many Americans!