Sharon Gerdes Article

Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

Look to dairy for calcium and vitamin D

Dairy calcium is highly bioavailable and works synergistically with vitamin D and other nutrients to build healthy bones. Adding probiotics may increase bioavailability

Sharon Gerdes

October 9, 2018

A few years back, my family physician recommended that I be tested for bone mineral density and start taking a calcium supplement. I explained that I got my calcium from dairy and had great bones.

Whey protein is whey better

In a crowded protein marketplace, the dairy industry is challenged to convey the benefits of milk and whey protein to consumers.

Sharon Gerdes

September 4, 2018

Over my 20 years of consulting for the U.S. dairy industry, and 15 years of writing for Dairy Foods, I've learned a lot about protein quality.

Making probiotic claims can be tricky

Probiotics have multiple health benefits, but navigating the narrow line between dietary supplement and drug claims can be challenging.

Sharon Gerdes

August 6, 2018

The science behind the health benefits of probiotics grows each day. Probiotics can benefit digestive health, heart health, mental health, weight management and the immune system. But formulating probiotics into fermented dairy foods and translating health benefits into appropriate claims can be tricky.

Dairy might help to promote healthy aging

Whey protein and fermented dairy foods could help minimize inflammation

Sharon Gerdes

June 4, 2018

Anti-inflammatory diets are trendy, and some of my friends are avoiding dairy because they've heard that it causes inflammation. According to Greg Miller, chief science officer for National Dairy Council, "The current scientific evidence suggests that the opposite may be true."

The ins and outs of clean labeling

Customers want dairy with all-natural ingredients and nothing artificial

Sharon Gerdes

May 7, 2018

Clean-label dairy can be more about perception than actual health benefits. It's also a moving target. Dairy processors must scrutinize the latest market research to understand what consumers what in their dairy delights, and what they want taken out.

Reducing sugar content requires complex strategy

Newer stevia sweetener blends are optimized for performance in dairy

Sharon Gerdes

April 2, 2018

America has the distinction of being the most overweight country in the world. The latest statistics reveal that 38% of our citizens qualify as obese.

Purple superfruits pack antioxidant power

Science around the health benefits of fruits containing anthocyanins continues to grow.

Sharon Gerdes

March 6, 2018

The label "superfruit" has been used to describe any fruit with high nutrient levels. Superfruits come in every color of the rainbow, but those with red, blue or purple hues from the presence of anthocyanins generally boast superior antioxidant power.

Studies say whole dairy milk is best for children

Science reveals that whole milk helps combat childhood obesity

Sharon Gerdes

February 6, 2018

Formulating dairy products for children can be tricky. Two essential ingredients are a clean label and a clever package, possibly adorned with Disney or Star Wars characters.

Dietary fiber regulations are in limbo

While waiting for regulatory decisions on the health status of fiber ingredients, dairy companies should focus on functional attributes.

Sharon Gerdes

January 3, 2018

The new Nutrition Facts regulations redefine fiber, adding a requirement that certain isolated or synthetic fiber ingredients must show a beneficial effect on human health. But implementation of those new regulations will probably be postponed until 2020.

The FDA proposes an extension for Nutrition Facts label changes

Dairy processors could use the new Nutrition Facts panel to highlight dairy’s nutrient powerhouse.

Sharon Gerdes

November 27, 2017

Are you rushing to update your label before the July 26, 2018, deadline? Here’s the good news: FDA recently proposed extending the compliance date for using the new Nutrition Facts panels.