March 3, 2003
Julie O'Sullivan Maillet, PhD, RD, FADA
President, American Dietetic Association
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Dear Dr. O'Sullivan Maillet:
I am writing to express my concern that the American Dietetic Association
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This is not supported by the most recent, comprehensive analysis of studies looking at dairy intake and bone health by Weinsier & Krumdieck, who conclude that there is little evidence that dairy can improve bone health in anyone other than Caucasian women who are less than 30 years old. Yet, the ADA and the dairy industry are promoting dairy to people of all ages, genders, and races.
Of course, calcium is not the only nutrient important for strong bones and a lack of dietary calcium is not the only hazard for bones. As Weinsier & Krumdieck point out (p. 686):
It is difficult to draw conclusions from so few studies, but there is substantial evidence to suggest that all dairy foods are not equivalent vehicles of calcium, perhaps because of their different protein, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A contents.
Weinsier & Krumdieck later state (p. 687):
...one could speculate that intake of foods such as yogurt and milk would be advantageous, hard cheeses and processed cheese products would be less advantageous, and cottage cheese would be disadvantageous.
Yet the ADA is sending the false message that all dairy products are good for bones.
Of course, foods come as a package; and dairy is not such a great package with its saturated fat. In fact, Walter Willett [M.D., Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School] says in the chapter Calcium: No Emergency in his book, Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy (p. 144):
If no one really knows the best daily calcium target, then why not play it safe and boost your calcium by drinking three glasses of milk a day? Here are five good reasons: lactose intolerance, saturated fat, extra calories, a possible increased risk of prostate cancer, and a possible increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Willett goes on to say (p. 151):
It is abundantly clear that active, healthy people who get only low to moderate amounts of calcium can have low fracture rates. Whether getting more calcium will further lower this risk is an open question. As researchers try to find an answer, a reasonable strategy for women in middle age and beyond is to get an extra 500 - 1,000 mg of calcium a day. Calcium supplements are the best way to do this, though low-fat dairy products are an alternative for those who really like milk. For men, the balance of benefits and risks doesn't yet tip toward recommendations for a lot of extra calcium.
There are many excellent sources of calcium other than dairy, including kale, broccoli, collard greens, fortified non-dairy milks, fortified orange juice. Non-dairy milks are sometimes also fortified with vitamin D, and the green leafy vegetables contain potassium, vitamin K, and other nutrients good for bones. The nation's health would be much better if these products were promoted instead of cheese pizzas and frozen yogurt.
Additionally, the ecological impacts of dairy cannot be dismissed. The Environmental Protection Agency says, "California dairy cows generate approximately 30 million tons of manure each year, so proper management of dairy waste on California's 2,700 dairy farms is one of the state's most pressing environmental issues." In 1998, the California State Water Resources Control Board listed the water quality of nine rivers and 49 ground water basins to be impaired by animal operations.
It is disappointing to see the ADA abdicate its position as a source for research-based information on nutrition. Please reconsider and withdraw from the 3-A-Day dairy program.
Sincerely,
Jack Norris, RD