June 19/Rosemont, Ill./International Dairy Federation -- Eight dairy organizations from around the world are joining efforts to demonstrate the tangible nutritional benefits of dairy at a symposium on “Maintaining health with nutrient rich diets: The role of dairy in prevention of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity and sarcopenia.”

Organized in conjunction with the 20th International Union of Nutritional Science (IUNS) Congress of Nutrition, taking place in Granada, Spain, on September 19, the symposium will present updates on recent studies demonstrating four different yet major health benefits of dairy products. The symposium features four presentations by leading experts: “Dairy’s rich nutrient package” by professor Connie Weaver, “Dairy, metabolic syndrome and blood pressure, evidence from the MONICA Study” by professor Vanina Bongard, “The relationship between high-fat dairy and obesity, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease” by professor Mario Kratz, and “Dairy protein and muscle mass maintenance in the elderly: preventing sarcopenia” by professor Luc van Loon.

“The objective of this Symposium is to explore and deepen the understanding of the nutritional benefits of dairy based on sound science,” said Weaver, Dept. Nutrition Science, Purdue University, and chair of the session. “This is a unique opportunity that highlights the whole food value of dairy for an international audience.”

“Dairy products are natural, nutrient rich foods which provide us with many essential nutrients throughout life. They play an important role in a healthy, balanced diet at any age and are recommended in numerous dietary guidelines. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that dairy foods as part of a healthy diet are associated with beneficial health effects. Creating awareness about the health benefits of dairy is vital and global collaboration is key in achieving this,” explained Dr. Stefanie J.W.H. Oude Elferink, chair of the IDF Standing Committee on Nutrition and Health.

The eight organizations responsible for organizing this satellite symposium -- Dairy Australia, Dairy Council (UK), Dairy Research Institute (DRI, an organization established under the leadership of U.S. dairy farmers through Dairy Management Inc.), Dutch Dairy Association (NZO), European Milk Forum (EMF), French Dairy Inter-branch Organization (CNIEL), Global Dairy Platform (GDP) and the International Dairy Federation (IDF) -- recognize the importance of international collaboration and knowledge transfer of technical research and insights for advancement in nutrition science.

According to Cindy Schweitzer, Ph.D., technical director of Global Dairy Platform, “Joint initiatives such as this satellite symposium build a clearer understanding of the role dairy plays in reducing risk of chronic disease and serve as an important stimulus for new dialogue about the health and wellness benefits of dairy.”