Irish urged to sink teeth into dairy diet

New research commissioned by the National Dairy Council (NDC) has revealed that nearly one-third of Irish adults are not meeting their recommended calcium intake and are missing out on essential nutrients.

According the NDC, 29% of adults do not consume the basic three servings of dairy products a day for appropriate calcium intake as recommended by the Department of Health.

The NDC stresses that calcium is vital for teeth and bones, and that a lack of dietary calcium could lead to serious long-term health risks like osteoporosis. Bone is living tissue and is constantly renewed, needing a constant supply of nutrients at every age.

In contrast, results from the Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland (SLAN 2007) found that 86% of Irish adults admitted to having at least three servings of food high in sugar, salt and saturated fats.

The daily guidelines from the Department of Health recommends for adults ‘three dairy a day’ such as a piece of cheese (about the size of a matchbox), a carton of yoghurt and one-third of a pint of milk.

Higher levels of calcium are needed in women who are breastfeeding or are pregnant. Children and adolescents also need higher levels as 90% of adult bone mass is created in teen years.

Helen Brophy, chief executive of the National Dairy Council says although calcium is available in other non-dairy sources, some plants have high levels of oxalate and phytate which inhibit the absorption of calcium.

‘This makes it difficult to meet daily calcium requirements exclusively, from these plant foods alone,’ Ms Brophy said.

The NDC says in addition to calcium, dairy products are also important sources of protein, B vitamins (riboflavin, vitamin B12 and folate) and phosphorous.

‘Most Irish adults have seen the food pyramid, understand the concept, and know in theory the importance of having a balanced diet, but many do not see the information as being relevant to themselves’ Ms Brophy said.

The Council will be running a 15-week national advertising campaign, beginning in July, to raise awareness about the importance of milk and dairy products as a natural source of calcium and essential nutrients.