September 2011/NutraSolutions -- The results of two new studies contribute to the growing body of research demonstrating adequate dairy consumption, as part of a nutrient-rich, balanced diet, may help maintain metabolic health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In one online study, published ahead of print in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and administered by Dairy Research Institute™, researchers conducted a clinical trial in which 40 overweight and obese adults with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to consume either a low-dairy or adequate-dairy (at least 3 servings/day) weight-maintenance diet for 12 weeks. The study results show that, compared with low intake, adequate dairy intake significantly improved multiple health indicators. In another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a systematic and meta-analysis of seven prospective studies was conducted; researchers examined the association between dairy product consumption and type 2 diabetes. The results showed higher dairy intake was associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The Dairy Research Institute, USDairy.com/dairyresearchinstituteNS