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Benefits of dairy foods at any age

The benefits of dairy foods can last a lifetime.

Registered dietitian Dr. Teresa Wagner recently shared with farmers some of the most common questions she’s been asked about dairy products.

She says milk is essential for growing strong bones and maintaining bone mass, which begins to deteriorate after age 35.  “You have to preserve that by making sure that you’re replacing that calcium and eight other bone building nutrients.”

From label confusion to lactose intolerance, she tells Brownfield consumers are concerned about what’s in their milk, but nutrients such as calcium, potassium and vitamin D can be very difficult to get without consuming dairy foods.  “When you’re aging you lose not only bone mass but also lean muscle mass, so you’re more likely to have a fall.”  She says, “You need to have those strong bones to protect yourself from having a break.  And how do you do that? Make sure you’re getting your three servings of dairy all through your lifespan.”

Wagner spoke with Brownfield during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

AUDIO: Interview with Dr. Teresa Wagner