Daily intake of dairy products in Brazil does not meet national dietary guidelines (LB470)

Abstract

Dairy products, including milk and milk‐derived foods, are naturally rich sources of protein and micronutrients which are important for ensuring a healthy diet. Brazilian dietary guidelines recommend intake of three portions of milk and dairy products daily. Using one‐day dietary records collected from 34,003 participants 蠅10 y in the first Brazilian National Dietary Survey (2008‐2009), intake of dairy products and percent contributions of dairy products to daily nutrient intakes were assessed. Dairy products were defined as plain and flavored milk, milk drinks, milk‐based preparations (excluding desserts), cheese, and yogurt. Per capita intake of dairy products in the population 蠅10 y was 142 g/day, or 0.9 portions. Mean intakes of dairy portions were 1.0, 0.9, and 1.1 by age group (10‐18 y, 19‐59 y, 蠅60 y), and 1.0 and 0.7 in urban and rural subpopulations. In the population 蠅10 y, dairy products accounted for 6.1% of total energy, 7.3% of protein, 4.0% of carbohydrate, 4.3% of added sugars, 10% of total fat, and 16.9% of saturated fat intake. Dairy products were significant contributors to dietary calcium (37.9%), vitamin D (35.9%), phosphorus (17%) and vitamin A (11.1%), all of which are nutrients of concern in Brazil. Overall, consumption of dairy products was low. Education efforts to raise awareness about dairy recommendations may serve to improve diet adequacy in the Brazilian population.Grant Funding Source: Supported by PepsiCo, Inc.