The Food and Drug Administration has approved new health claims linking calcium and vitamin D with bone health and a reduced risk of osteoporosis, allowing processors to add these claims to the labels of eligible foods, including dairy products.

The claims can be used on packages of reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free milk and qualifying yogurt varieties, as well as other food products that qualify as excellent sources (20 percent or more of recommended Daily Value) of calcium or calcium and vitamin D per standard serving.

More than 10 million Americans live with osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, and many others are falling short in consuming the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics states that eating calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and adolescence will help build strong bones, which may reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. In fact, by the year 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 will have weak bones, as stated in a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These statistics show the growing opportunity for processors to educate consumers on how dairy products can be an important part of healthy life for people of all ages.

“Consumers generally know that milk and dairy products are full of essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, for overall health and nutrition,” said Greg Miller, Ph.D., M.A.C.N., executive vice president of research, regulatory and scientific affairs at Dairy Management Inc., Rosemont, Ill. “But now these approved claims help dairy processors reinforce to consumers that these nutrients can keep bones strong and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.”

Per the final FDA rule, model health claims that can be used include:
    •  For foods that are excellent sources of calcium only:
         - Adequate calcium throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may
             reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
         - Adequate calcium as part of a healthful diet, along with physical
             activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.
    •  For foods that are excellent sources of both calcium and vitamin D:
         - Adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout life, as part of a well-
             balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
         - Adequate calcium and vitamin D as part of a healthful diet, along
             with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.

For more information on dairy label claims and dairy products, ingredients, processing, packaging and nutrition, visit www.innovatewithdairy.com. To view the new health claim language, visit http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-22730_PI.pdf.