Role of dairy in teens’ diets to be discussed at World Dairy Summit

The crucial role that dairy can play in teenage diets will be a key debate at the forthcoming International Dairy Federation’s (IDF) World Dairy Summit 2017, being held in Belfast later this month.

Around a fifth of teenage girls across the world are currently falling short on their recommended daily intake of calcium, iodine and riboflavin and dairy could help to fill the gap.

While dairy consumption is generally on the rise, teenagers who turn away from dairy are not aware of the potential impact on long-term health.

Good nutrition is important for everyone, but for teenagers it is particularly important because the teen years are critical for the laying down of calcium in bone.

Marianne Smith Edge, dietitian and founder of AgriNutrition Edge (formerly The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, USA) will focus on understanding Generation Z’s attitudes and consumption patterns as a foundation for dairy consumption and innovation. Dr Moshe Mishali, psychologist, University of Haifa, Israel will focus on behaviour change in families around diets and milk consumption.

Dr Judith Bryans, president of the IDF and chief executive of Dairy UK, adds, “Rapid increases in height, weight, and bone development, along with a number of other physical changes during the teenage years can have a major influence on nutritional requirements, and demand for both nutrients and energy are high.

“The teenage diet is a challenge faced by our industry worldwide and I look forward to welcoming our renowned speakers to Belfast and learn from their expertise in this area.”