Even in a society with an abundant supply of food, a large proportion of the population does not meet the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for several vitamins and minerals. This modelling study shows that increasing the consumption of dairy products, according to the recommended quantities, is a simple measure that could significantly improve nutrition and health.
Insufficient consumption in children and adults
This study used data from the 2007-2010 What We Eat in America National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The researchers observed that a majority of children of 4 years and older, and nearly all adults do not meet the recommended 2.5 to 3 daily portions. Then, they evaluated the impact of an increase in dairy consumption in order to meet the recommended quantities in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
More micronutrients
The model shows that an increased consumption of dairy foods, according to dietary guidelines, would mean a significant reduction in the percentage of adults with intakes lower than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Increasing dairy group consumption, including milk, cheese and yogurt, to the DGA recommended amounts is therefore one practical dietary change that could significantly improve the population’s adequacy for certain vitamins and minerals that are currently under-consumed.
