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Study: Dairy May Not Build Strong Bones in Kids
March 7, 2005 -- A newly published study shows dairy foods have little to do with building strong bones in children and young adults. But a dairy industry spokesperson says the findings are tainted by the biases of the researchers.
The review of previous studies, published in the March issue of the journal Pediatrics, was conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The group is best known for opposing animal research. It is also strongly pro-vegetarian and advocates elimination of all animal products, including milk, from the diet.
In a release issued Monday to coincide with a Washington, D.C., news conference, the group blasted that recommend drinking three cups of fat-free or low-fat milk a day.
A serving of dairy is equal to:
- An 8 oz glass of milk
- 8 oz of yogurt
- 1.5 oz of natural cheese (such as cheddar)
- 2 oz of processed cheese (such as American)
Low-fat or nonfat dairy products have as much, if not more calcium, than whole dairy.
"Under scientific scrutiny, the support for the milk myth crumbles," the statement reads. "This analysis ... shows that the evidence on which the U.S. dairy intake recommendations are based is scant."
Nutritionists Go Head to Head
Of 37 studies reviewed, 27 were found to show no relationship between dairy or dietary calcium and bone health in children and young adults. The remaining studies found only a small association.
The researchers concluded that physical activity early in life appears to be a stronger predictor of bone health than dairy consumption.
Calcium is necessary for the development of strong bones during childhood. Strong bones help prevent the , which can lead to fractures.
"From my perspective as a nutritionist I think it is really important for parents to understand that milk is not a necessary food for children," study researcher Amy Joy Lanou, PhD, RD, tells WebMD. "If children can't drink milk for health or other reasons their bones are going to be just fine."
A nutritionist with the National Dairy Council says she couldn't disagree more.
"There is a clear positive link between calcium and dairy and good bone health," Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD, tells WebMD. "No one food is a magic bullet for preventing osteoporosis, but including calcium in the diet has been shown to be helpful down the road. It is part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity."
Segrave-Daly says the studies reviewed by Lanou and colleagues paint an incomplete picture of the science regarding calcium and strong bones.
Dairy: More Than Calcium
But Wisconsin pediatrician Frank Greer, MD, says the science is not as clear as the dairy group suggests.
On its web site, the Dairy Council cites reviews done by its own researchers showing an overwhelmingly positive association between eating calcium-rich foods and bone health.
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