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Educate your patients on the importance of 3-A-Day of Dairy: Here's
a great
tool (PDF: 618k) to show families how to get their 3-A-Day of Dairy
every day for stronger bones.
Developed in conjunction with The American Academy of Family
Physicians, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Dietetic
Association, and The National Medical Association.
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Dairy Council Digest Archives
3-A-Day of Dairy Campaign
Summary
Americans' low calcium intake is recognized as a major public health problem. To address this problem, the dairy industry, with support from health professional partners such as the National Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, has initiated a multi-year integrated marketing and education campaign called "3-A-Day of Dairy for Stronger Bones."
The campaign's key message is to consume three servings a day of milk, cheese, and yogurt to help build and maintain strong bones and overall health. Foods naturally containing calcium such as milk and other dairy foods are the preferred and leading source of calcium. Unfortunately, most Americans are consuming only half of the recommended three servings of dairy a day.
Health professionals and consumers can look for the 3-A-Day of Dairy for Stronger Bones logo on qualifying packages of milk, cheese, and yogurt indicating that they are excellent sources of calcium. To display the logo, one serving of milk (8 ounces or 1 cup), cheese (1-1.5 ounces for most cheeses), and yogurt (8 ounces or 1 cup) must provide at least 20% of the Daily Value of calcium listed on food labels. More information and practical tips about 3-A-Day of dairy can be found on the web site, www.3aday.org.
Americans' low calcium intake is the reason why there is the need to encourage consumption of three servings of milk, cheese, and yogurt a day. At almost all ages, both males and females do not consume recommended intakes of calcium. Low intake of dairy foods, the major dietary source of calcium, is largely responsible for Americans' low calcium intake. Dairy foods contribute to overall nutritional adequacy by supplying an abundant amount of calcium and other nutrients such as vitamins A, D (if fortified), and B12, protein, potassium, riboflavin, niacin equivalents, and phosphorus.
There are many good reasons to consume three servings of dairy a day. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are not only a major dietary source of calcium, but these dairy foods are nutrient dense, providing many nutrients in relation to their calories. A large body of scientific evidence shows that adequate intake of calcium throughout life, particularly from calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, reduces the risk for osteoporosis.
Further, emerging research indicates that consuming dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt may confer health benefits beyond bones. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which includes three servings of lowfat dairy products, has been shown to lower blood pressure and to have favorable effects on other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Intake of dairy foods as a source of calcium may also help to reduce the risk for some other disorders. Research indicates that milk and especially cheese may protect oral health by preventing dental caries. Also, yogurt may provide unique health benefits such as improving digestive function.
Meeting calcium needs is a public health objective. Consuming 3-A-Day of dairy – milk, cheese, and yogurt – as part of a healthful diet is a simple, enjoyable way to meet this health goal.
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