Dairy May Help Prevent Childhood Obesity; New Research Reveals That Calcium From Dairy Foods May Prevent Fat Gain in Children.

Health & Nutrition Editors

CHICAGO--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 4, 2001

New research presented this week at the American College of Nutrition annual symposium reports that calcium from Milk Group foods may help children maintain a healthy body fat percentage during the critical years of body fat development. This knowledge could be a beneficial in reducing the risk of childhood obesity, which affects one in four American children.

Researchers at the University of Utah looked at 50 healthy children with low calcium intakes, between the ages of 2 and 8 years, and randomly divided them into a dairy or non-dairy group. Both groups had similar caloric and fat intakes. The dairy group was supplemented with 4 servings of milk and Milk Group foods daily, or the equivalent of 1,200 mg. of calcium. At the start of the study, total body fat between the two groups was similar, but after 6 months, the children in the non-dairy group had gained more body fat, while the children in the dairy group retained similar body fat levels to what they had at the start of the study.

"Our results indicate that dairy foods may be beneficial in helping children maintain their body fat levels before it begins to skyrocket out of control," said co-author Gary M, Chan, MD, Professor of Pediatrics with the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. "Maintaining healthy body fat levels during these early years is extremely important, as it helps set the stage for healthy fat levels during the adult years, and reduces the risk of obesity."

Other recent studies have also shown Milk Group foods to be helpful in reducing the risk of obesity among children. Researchers at the University of Tennessee analyzed the diets of preschool children over a 3-year period and found children with higher dairy/calcium intake, had lower body fat than those children with lower dairy/calcium intakes.

"We've known for some time that lowfat dairy foods, including milk, cheese and yogurt, may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and possibly even colon cancer," said Ann Marie Krautheim, MA, RD, a registered dietitian with the National Dairy Council. "Now we can add to that list the important role lowfat dairy foods may play in reducing the risk of childhood obesity."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 65 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hardening of the arteries and some types of cancer, making obesity a growing concern for many public health experts.

This concern was addressed at this week's American College of Nutrition symposium, where researchers took a closer look at weight management, including the relationship between obesity and health risks, dietary factors that may influence the development of obesity, and the relationship between calcium intake and obesity.

"All the emerging research linking dairy calcium to weight loss is really exciting news for Americans of all ages who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight," added Krautheim. "This research shows that they can actually add food to their diet, rather than just taking it away."

Today's dairy case now has many dairy products packaged to make them more convenient to enjoy. Single-serve containers of flavored milk, string cheese and "gogurts" (yogurt in a portable squeeze tube) are just a few of the more convenient products available to help Americans achieve their dietary calcium recommendations.

Most Americans aren't meeting current calcium recommendations, including children who need calcium the most during their critical bone building years. According to government statistics, seven out of 10 girls and six out of 10 boys (ages 6-11) are falling short of calcium recommendations. In addition to calcium, dairy foods provide eight other essential vitamins including protein and potassium.

Based on the National Academy of Sciences calcium recommendations, children should consume the following servings of Milk Group foods daily, to achieve calcium recommendations:

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        Age                 Calcium Needs         Milk Group Servings
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     1-3 years                 500 mg                 3 servings(i)
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     4-8 years                 800 mg                 3 servings
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    9-18 years               1,300 mg                 4 servings
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(i)Note: Serving sizes for children ages 1-3 are two-thirds of adult size. For example, for children ages 1-3, a serving size of milk is 6 ounces, rather than the 8-ounce servings size recommended for older kids, teens and adults.

Source: American College of Nutrition annual meeting, "The effects of dairy products on children's body fat," October 2001.

Source: Carruth, BR. and Skinner, JD. The role of dietary calcium and other nutrients in moderating body fat in preschool children. International Journal of Obesity 2001; 25: 559-566.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: To schedule interviews, call 312-988-2494.

-- Gary Chan, MD, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics

-- Ann Marie Krautheim, MA, RD, National Dairy Council