Submitted by The National Milk Producers Federation

The Departments of Health and Human Services, and Agriculture, are holding a public meeting today in Bethesda, Maryland, to receive public oral comments on the Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The National Milk Producers Federation is one of 70 organizations offering input on the draft report.

Delivered by Beth Briczinski, NMPF Vice President of Dairy Foods & Nutrition:

“I am a dairy foods scientist at the National Milk Producers Federation, which represents the nation’s dairy farmers. As you review the DGAC report and prepare messaging for Americans, we want to remind the Agencies why we

“First, dairy has nine essential nutrients, is a source for three of the four nutrients of concern identified in the DGAC report, and is extremely difficult to replace in the diet. For example, the DGAC reported that when they modeled a “no-dairy” diet, intake of several key nutrients fell below adequate levels, specifically with calcium dropping by up to 88%[1].

“Even foods that are sometimes seen as “substitutes” for dairy can’t compare to real dairy products. The DGAC wrote that although soy, rice or almond beverages can be fortified with calcium, its absorption is less efficient from plant-based beverages. The report also noted that to actually absorb the same amount of calcium, you have to consume more calories, even though what most Americans need is to consume fewer calories[2].

“The number of servings of other foods that would be required to replace dairy’s unique total nutrient package, as well as the cost of those foods, make it unlikely that people who forgo dairy will actually obtain an equivalent nutrient intake.

“Simply put, there is no substitute -- three servings of nutrient-dense dairy products should be an essential part of every healthful diet.

“Second, most Americans age nine and older are not consuming recommended amounts of dairy – barely two servings a day – and the DGAC report showed that average overall consumption hasn’t increased during the past 15 years[3]. In fact, the only population groups meeting recommended amounts were very young children. By the age of four, Americans have major shortfalls in meeting recommendations for milk consumption[4].

“So I’d like to conclude with a suggestion for the simple, understandable, actionable messages that are needed in order for the Dietary Guidelines to motivate real dietary improvements for consumers when they plan meals or make food choices.

“Knowing that the nutrient package of dairy foods is virtually irreplaceable in the diet… and that dairy consumption averages less than two servings a day… I would suggest that the Dietary Guidelines first continue to recommend three servings of dairy, and second to recommend Americans increase their current consumption of dairy foods. Most Americans would certainly benefit by adding one more serving of nutrient-dense dairy foods each day. This would go a long way toward improving essential nutrient intakes and toward educating consumers about the simple steps they can take to achieve better diets and better health.

“Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. NMPF will also be filing written comments.”

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. Visit www.nmpf.org for more information.