Protein Summit: More Low-Fat, Fat-Free Dairy Protein May Benefit Adults

A review of scientific literature indicates that many adults may benefit from eating more than the minimum requirement of protein. These findings are presented in a recent supplement of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which describes the conclusions of a Protein Summit held last spring that brought together the world's leading scientists in protein research.

Research supports that eating a higher protein diet - still within the recommended range, but toward the top of it - may play a role in optimal health. Findings indicate that higher protein diets are linked with a lower risk for many health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. One way to increase protein intake - especially high-quality protein intake - is to eat the recommended three daily servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt.

"This is great news for dairy producers who, through their checkoff investment, help form life-long dairy consumers by educating them about the health benefits of dairy products," said Greg Miller, Ph.D., executive vice president of research, regulatory and scientific affairs for National Dairy Council®. "Taking simple steps such as choosing a glass of low-fat or fat-free milk at a meal, or eating a piece of low-fat cheese with fruit as a snack will help increase protein in the diet, which may lead to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis."

Current U.S. recommendations indicate that adults should consume between 10 and 35 percent of their calories from protein, according to the Institute of Medicine. Participants at the Protein Summit said that many adults may benefit from eating up to 35 percent of their calories from protein.