In the final article of this series, we will look at the risk of chronic disease in the stages of adult (18 to 59) and older adult populations (60 and older). According to the National Medical Association’s April 2024 published article, “The role of dairy food intake for improving health among black Americans across the life continuum: A summary of the evidence,” Black adults have a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases and worse treatment outcomes among other risks. November is National Diabetes Month, which highlights a chronic disease that affects 11.6%, or 38.4 million, Americans. More specifically, 12.1% of non-Hispanic Black adults have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Dairy Consumption Concerns

While adults carry the burden of developing chronic disease in this life stage, older adults (60+) have a higher severity of chronic disease that has been tied to minimal or non-consumption of dairy foods. This can happen for many reasons in either stage of life. One of the more notable causes is lactose intolerance and its increased prevalence in Black Americans, but also the misconceptions related to it. Many people who are lactose intolerant believe that they cannot consume any dairy, which is not accurate. There are strategies individuals with lactose intolerance can try such as consuming lactose-free milk or low-lactose cheeses, so they can still benefit from dairy’s essential nutrients and decrease chronic disease risk.

How Can Dairy Help?

The evidence-based recommendation is for adults to consume 3 servings of dairy per day to benefit from essential nutrients and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Dairy provides calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin D which work to lower the risk of chronic disease. Milk and dairy foods can support immunity, address nutrient deficiencies, and may help decrease the risk of diabetes, according to new research. In fact, the FDA recently approved the qualified claim that eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (3 servings) per week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In addition to being Diabetes Month, November also marks National Greek Yogurt Day. Celebrate both by adding a serving of Greek Yogurt to your day. Incorporate it in a recipe or make a parfait. Savory or sweet, this delicious dairy food provides essential nutrients to help you feel your best and decrease chronic disease risk.

Lynette Armstrong

For many dads, back-to-school comes with early mornings, packed lunches, after-school pickup, homework, and practices. The daily race to get everyone out the door on time, mixed with juggling life demands, makes healthy eating challenging. Despite this, the busy back-to-school season also brings an opportunity to play an active role in building healthy habits at home.