Teens Need More Dairy Intake

MINNEAPOLIS—Teens are reducing their intake of calcium and dairy products as they enter their 20s, which can play major roles in health maintenance and the prevention of chronic disease since peak bone mass isn’t reached until their 30s, according to a new study published in the July/August issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

As reported by AlphaGalileo, researchers found that reports of mealtime milk availability, positive health/nutrition attitudes, taste preference for milk, healthful weight control behaviors and peer support for healthful eating when the participants were teenagers were associated with higher calcium intake in young adulthood. Time spent watching television and lactose intolerance during middle adolescence were associated with lower calcium intake in young adulthood.

“The findings of this study indicate that future interventions designed to promote improvements in calcium intake should encourage the families of adolescents to serve milk at meals,” said the researchers. “In addition, interventions targeted to female adolescents should build concern for healthful eating, develop confidence in skills for healthful eating and reduce exposure to television advertisements. Interventions targeted to male adolescents should emphasize opportunities to taste calcium-rich food, the promotion of healthful weight management behaviors and supporting peers to engage in healthful eating behaviors.”