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The Dairy Advantage

Calcium is the key warrior in the battle against osteoporosis, but recent studies shows about 75 percent of Americans are not consuming enough.

Studies have shown milk and dairy products are beneficial in preventing osteoporosis, reducing high blood pressure, fighting obesity, protecting against kidney stones and reducing the risk of some cancers. Just three servings of dairy products a day for adults and four servings for teens and those over 50 would help relieve our calcium crisis.

It is extremely difficult to meet calcium needs without dairy products. The equivalent to one glass of milk or a 1-inch cube of cheese is about 7 cups of broccoli.. In addition, milk and milk products contribute about 75 percent of the calcium available in the U.S food supply hat's why respected health organizations such as the American Medical Association and American Dietetic Association recommend food over supplements. It's easy to see that dairy products are the most convenient, affordable and tasty way to meet calcium needs.

Calcium Fortified Foods

It seems there is always a new calcium-fortified food on the grocery shelf, advertised in the media or stored in your own cupboard. While these juices, breads, cereals and other foods may indeed contain the same amount of calcium as 8 ounces of yogurt or milk, they are not the same as including dairy foods in your diet.

Studies indicate when dairy is a calcium source, the overall diet tends to be better balanced and healthier, due in large part to the fact that dairy foods are nutrient dense and contain a variety of other necessary nutrients for good health.

As a calcium contributor, nothing compares to dairy!

To Supplement or Not

Increasing calcium intake is a public health priority, and it's easy to pop a calcium supplement pill to meet that goal, but it's not the answer.

Health professionals advise whenever possible to get nutrients from food first. Dairy products contain several essential nutrients in addition to calcium that cannot be found in a supplement.

Supplements can also cause unpleasant and risky side effects for some people, including constipation, intestinal bloating and excess gas.

Most experts recommend supplements be limited to people who are at nutritional risk and who, for whatever reason, are unable to eat sufficient quantities of dairy and other calcium-rich foods.

In any case, calcium supplements should be regarded as a supplement to, not a substitute for, a nutritionally adequate diet.

Calorie Concerns

Misconceptions such as dairy products are "fattening" coupled with America's dieting craze are a major culprit in the calcium crisis.

Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware of the tremendous variety of tasty low-fat and fat free dairy products. Best of all, these lower calorie versions of dairy foods still have the same rich calcium and other nutrient content.

Consuming three servings of low-fat dairy products as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan will help with weight loss and weight maintenance.