As a registered dietitian, I am frustrated nutrition misinformation is shared by organizations with agendas based on opinion over scientific evidence. I’m compelled to respond to the letter “Plant-based dairy products better for all” (June 13, TribLIVE).
The 2020-25 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans includes low-fat and fat-free dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt), which are associated with reducing death rate from all causes, incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and breast and colorectal cancer. Dairy foods can help maintain bone health.
Milk offers a unique and powerful combination of 13 essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and protein that are essential to a healthy immune system. Dairy foods provide about 54% of the calcium, 56% of the vitamin D and 18% of the protein consumed by Americans. Dairy elimination without justification is more detrimental than beneficial.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Heart Association all see the value of dairy in a healthy diet.
Seek nutrition professionals (registered dietitian nutritionists) for healthy eating advice — at eatright.org.
Leslie Bonci
Point Breeze