United States Food and Nutrition Issues—Roles of Dairy Foods

Abstract

Changes in the United States diet since the turn of the century include an increase in consumption of meat and reduced intake of cereal products and potatoes. These changes have provided for an increase in the intake of most nutrients. Various health statistics including life expectancy and mortality rates from chronic diseases adjusted for age fail to support the notion that the American diet has deteriorated. In fact, the data can be interpreted as showing a remarkable improvement in diet. The contribution of dairy foods to the diet of the United States is considered. Dairy foods make a positive and significant contribution to the nutrient intake and health of the American population. The major dietary problem in the United States appears to be obesity. The prevention and/or treatment of obesity can be facilitated by the availability of calorie reduced foods including dairy foods. This can be achieved most readily by provision of foods with reduced fat content. © 1979, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.