Impact of meeting Dietary Guideline recommendations for dairy consumption on nutrient density and health outcomes

Abstract

The impact of dairy consumption at age‐specific levels recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 (DGA 2005) on energy‐adjusted nutrient intakes and physiological parameters was examined in children (2–18 years, n=7584) and adults (19+ years, n=8841) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. Participants at all ages who consumed the recommended servings of dairy (Met) had significantly (p<0.05) greater energy, protein and saturated fat intakes compared to those who did not consume the recommended number of dairy servings (notMet) but with no significant differences in mean body mass index (BMI). Children and adolescents 2–18 years (Met) had significantly greater intakes of calcium, magnesium and potassium versus notMet. Adults 19–50 (Met) had significantly greater intakes of vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and potassium along with higher serum folate and lower serum homocysteine, total‐ and LDL‐cholesterol concentrations compared to the notMet group. Adults 51+ (Met) had significantly greater intakes of vitamins A, C and B12, calcium, magnesium and potassium with significantly higher serum vitamin B12 concentrations verses notMet. Consumption of the DGA 2005 recommended number of dairy servings had a positive impact on nutrient intakes in children and adults with no negative impact on BMI or serum lipid profiles. Supported by National Dairy Council.