USA – Researchers in the US say that high consumption of dairy products, fruit and vegetables may lower the risk of disability, particularly among black women.

Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that black women who ate the highest amounts of dairy products, fruit and vegetables had at least a 30% lower risk of disability than those who consumed the lowest amounts of these foods.

The higher amounts closely matched those recommended by recently released dietary guidelines for Americans.

The team of researchers, from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Centre, found that eating more of these foods was associated with lower risk for preceding signs of disability, such as being unable to walk a quarter of a mile or climbing ten steps.

It has been suggested that the calcium and vitamin D in dairy products may decrease the risk of disability associated with osteoporosis and decreased muscle strength.

The studies are particularly important, as the number of disabled elderly is expected to triple between 1985 and 2050, and about half the population over the age of 65 will become disabled enough to require some nursing home care.