Diabetes is a growing global health crisis, demanding comprehensive and evidence-based strategies to combat its rise. As highlighted during the symposium ‘Yogurt and Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Exploring the New FDA Qualified Health Claim and Potential Implications for Improving Public Health’ at ASN Nutrition 2024, incorporating nutrition expertise and food-based approaches, such as yogurt with its unique nutrient profile, is crucial in addressing Type 2 diabetes and related health challenges.
In this interview, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN discusses the recent FDA-approved qualified health claim on yogurt’s role in reducing Type 2 diabetes risk and its broader implications for public health and nutrition policies.
Key messages:
- FDA-qualified health claims, such as the potential link between yogurt consumption and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, are crucial for providing consumers with science-backed information. These claims help consumers make informed dietary choices that support health and well-being.
- Regular consumption of yogurt, at least three servings per week, may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes according to limited scientific evidence, contributing to public health efforts in managing and preventing chronic diseases.
- Yogurt is a nutrient-dense, versatile, and enjoyable food that can provide essential nutrients often under-consumed in the United States, such, calcium, and vitamin D. It can be easily incorporated into various meals and snacks, making it a convenient option for improving dietary habits and supporting health goals like muscle and bone health.
- Yogurt addresses current consumer trends by being a fresh, high-quality protein food. Its adaptability to different dietary patterns caters to the diverse needs of younger and older generations thereby encouraging healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes.
Can you introduce yourself and let us know about your work?
I am President, CEO of the International Food Information Council (IFCI). IFIC is a nonprofit organization focused on consumer research and education. Its mission is to effectively communicate science-based information on food safety, nutrition, and sustainable food systems for public benefit.
Could you start by explaining what FDA-regulated claims are and how they differ from health claims or marketing statements?
In the United States, there are several types of claims related to food products. A “Nutrient Content Claim” specifies the nutrient content of a product, such as “This product contains calcium.” A “Structure/Function Claim” suggests the role of a nutrient in supporting normal body functions, like “This product supports bone health.” These two types of claims can be made without submitting extensive scientific evidence to the FDA.
However, two additional claims require FDA engagement. An “Authorized Health Claim” necessitates significant scientific agreement and involves a detailed and lengthy process to establish, indicating a strong link between a nutrient and reduced risk of a disease. A “Qualified Health Claim” allows for claims based on less conclusive scientific evidence reviewed by the FDA. While it doesn’t require significant scientific agreement, it provides a way to discuss the current level of scientific knowledge about the relationship between a nutrient and a disease.
Could you provide examples of FDA-regulated qualified health claims that have been effectively used to communicate health benefits to consumers? What about the FDA qualified health claim on yogurt consumption and the reduction of the risk of type 2 diabetes?
One example of an FDA-regulated qualified health claim involves nuts and the risk reduction of heart disease, particularly due to the dietary fats contained in nuts. Another claim discussed today is the potential link between regularly consuming yogurt and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, specifically at least three servings over the course of a week. These claims contribute to public health goals by promoting dietary patterns that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.
In the case of yogurt, consuming at least three servings per week may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes remains a critical public health issue in the U.S., with an annual increase of 1.2 million new cases since 2004, making it the 8th leading cause of death. Despite efforts, the portion of the population with type 2 diabetes reached 12% in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and better management strategies. Projections indicate that by 2030, 20% of Black females and 12% of White females will have type 2 diabetes, underscoring the ongoing and escalating challenge of this disease.
Incorporating yogurt into a healthy diet not only may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes but can also positively impact other diet-related health outcomes. This demonstrates how specific dietary choices can play a crucial role in improving public health outcomes.
In your presentation you provided a lot of elements regarding consumer trends. What are their main characteristics?
Today’s consumers are more knowledgeable and health-conscious. More than half of Americans are familiar with My Plate*, and nearly half report that it has led them to eat a more balanced diet. This awareness is particularly high among millennials, college graduates, married individuals, those with higher incomes, and families with children under 18.
Consumers are increasingly following specific eating patterns or diets to feel better and have more energy, with younger generations prioritizing energy and weight loss, and older generations focusing on healthy aging. There is also a notable trend towards higher protein consumption, with younger generations seeking protein from supplements and older generations preferring food sources. Additionally, “fresh,” “good source of protein,” and “low in sugar” are the top criteria for defining healthy food, and more Americans are favoring lifestyle changes over medication for health conditions.
Taking these consumer trends into account, could you elaborate on the benefits of yogurt, particularly the part of your presentation where you mentioned its ease of consumption and accessibility?
Yogurt effectively addresses consumer characteristics through its nutrient density and versatility, providing essential nutrients that are often under-consumed in the United States due to the general under-consumption of dairy. It aligns with the health criteria consumers often prioritize, offering a good source of complete protein, calcium, and often vitamin D. Yogurt can be easily incorporated into various meals and snacks, making it a convenient and enjoyable option for those aiming to improve their diet. The FDA-qualified health claim linking yogurt consumption to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes positions it as a beneficial food for managing and preventing chronic diseases.
Yogurt can also provide many essential nutrients that are typically under-consumed in the United States, primarily because dairy is an under-consumed food group. Nutrients like calcium, and vitamin D are often abundant in dairy, making yogurt a particularly beneficial choice for many consumers. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining overall health, and yogurt serves as an accessible source for those looking to improve their intake.
Additionally, many consumers find yogurt delicious on its own or when paired with other nutrient-rich foods like fruits or vegetables. This versatility makes it not only easy to incorporate into a diet but also enjoyable and fun to consume. The variety of flavor profiles that yogurt offers excites consumers, encouraging them to include it more frequently in their meals.
Finally, yogurt’s adaptability to various dietary patterns makes it suitable for different generational needs, whether for energy, weight loss, or healthy aging. By offering a tasty and easy-to-consume option, yogurt encourages healthier eating habits, supporting the consumer preference for lifestyle changes. With healthcare professionals and dietitians being the most trusted sources of dietary information, yogurt’s health benefits can be effectively communicated to consumers, reinforcing its role in a balanced diet and contributing to overall public health.
*My plate is the current nutrition guide published by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and serves as a recommendation based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
