the impact of underconsumption of dairy foods on australias health status

Question 1

dairy foods

Answer 1

• relate to animal milk and products created from animal milk eg. cheese/ yogurt from cow, goat or sheep milk
• 5% of the population experience dairy intolerance and can substitute fortified soy and almond milks

Question 2

underconsumption of dairy foods leads to

Answer 2

• dental carries
• osteoporosis
• cardiovascular disease

Question 3

underconsumption of dairy foods - dental carries

Answer 3

• calcium contained in dairy hardens tooth enamel
• underconsumption can weaken the tooth and lead to breakage and an increased risk of dental caries

Question 4

underconsumption of dairy foods - cardiovascular disease

Answer 4

• not very strong evidence
• calcium helps blood vessels tighten when needed
• not enough calcium may result in blood vessels not tightening and relacing when they need to an may result in increased risk of hypertension and therefore a heart attack

Question 5

underconsumption of dairy foods - osteoporosis

Answer 5

• calcium is required to maintain strong bones
• lack of calcium increases the risk of bone fractures and eventually osteoporosis in older adults