Media & Activity

GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT FOR GROWING BODIES

Lion Dairy & Drinks is shining a light on dairy – with the milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives category being the second most under consumed food group in Australians’ diet this National Nutrition Week

 

15 October 2017

 

The 2017 National Nutrition Week (15-21 October 2017) brings nutrition front of mind for many, Lion Dairy & Drinks (LDD) is revealing the concerning realities about the second most under consumed food group in the Aussie diet; milk, yoghurt, cheese (dairy) and alternatives[i]. National Nutrition Week is timely reminder not just for the nine out of 10 Australians who are not getting their recommended daily intake of dairy or alternativesi but also for parents, as statistics show Aussie children’s dairy consumption declines as they age, whilst at the same time their nutrient needs and recommended serves of dairy or alternatives, increasesi.

Complimentary to National Nutrition Week, LDD launched Milk Loves You Back this year, to remind Australians of the natural goodness contained in milks like Dairy Farmers, Pura and Masters that boast a broad range of health benefits from 8 natural nutrients.

 

Growing Bodies and Bones

Alarmingly, dairy consumption dramatically declines during pre-teen and teenage years, with only 1 in 50 (2%) Australian teenagers aged 12-18 year consuming their recommended serves of dairy or alternativesi. While children aged 2-3 are the biggest consumers of dairy or alternatives i, there’s a worrying decline in consumption as they growi. This decline occurs at a critical time when childrens’ nutrient needs and recommended serves of dairy or alternative increasesi. This is to support their body and bone growth, particularly at the ages of 12-14 for girls and 13-15 for boys, when a quarter of adult bone mass is built[ii].

 

According to LDD’s own research, reassuringly, 4 in 5 (78%) Aussie children (aged 5-17) believe that nutrients in dairy milk gives us strong teeth and bones, and almost half believe milk helps our bodies as we grow (47%)[iii]. That said, calcium, along with iron, are the most commonly under-consumed nutrients in the Australian diet[iv]. Notably, 95% of children aged 2-3 met their recommended nutrient intake, except iron, similarly 95% of those aged 4-8 met their recommended except for iron and calciumi. In contrast, 71% of boys and more than 90% of girls aged 14-18 years did not achieve adequate calcium intakes, in part due to higher nutrient needs and lower dairy consumption in older childrenvii.

 

Milk is, in fact, one of the richest sources of calcium in the dietvii. Milk and dairy foods like Dairy Farmers, Pura and Masters boast a broad range of health benefits. It also has 8 natural nutrients including not just calcium, but protein and phosphorus – which are critical for growing bones, as part of a balanced diet- as well as potassium, iodine and vitamins B2, B5 and B12.

 

Getting the Balance Right

Contrary to the 3 in 10 (31%) parents incorrectly assuming boys and girls have the same recommended dairy intake[v], recommended dairy or alternative serves vary – children aged 2-3 and girls 4-8 years should consume 1½ serves of dairy per day as part of a balanced diet, however for boys aged 4-8 it increases to 2 serves per day and recommended serves of dairy per day continues to increase with age up to 3½ serves per day for teens 12-18 years[vi].

 

A serve of dairy comes in many different forms. It can be as easy as a glass of milk in the morning (250ml), a small tub of yogurt (200g) or 2 slices (40g) of cheese in a sandwich. Or for a more sophisticated option, pairing your dairy with your fruit and vegetables – Australian analysis suggests that school lunches provide about 40% of children’s daily food/ energy intakes.[vii]

 

Here are some simple ways to get dairy in to your kids lunchbox:

 

Yoghurt: Try a yogurt pouch, (70g may suit little kids or >100g for bigger kids) or a small tub, it’s perfect at recess (handy hint: you can freeze the yoghurt pouch/tub to stay cool).

 

Milk: Leftover pasta with cheese sauce (made with milk and cheese) can be a great alternative to a sandwich, paired with cauliflower or broccoli.  For the kids, a small UHT regular or flavoured milk is a great snack for the active ones, providing all the goodness of milk in an easy product you can keep in the pantry and pop in the lunchbox.

 

Cheese: Try adding 1 or 2 slices of cheese in the sandwich, or grated cheese in a wrap or sprinkled on top of a pasta or a salad.

 

Hawthorn legend and father of four, Shane Crawford adds: “I am all about getting the balance right and this has never been more important than when a dad. We work hard to make sure our boys get the right nutrients to keep them fired up throughout the day. I often stop for a milkshake after a runabout with the boys, or whip together our favorite smoothie, to help not only their little bodies refuel, but mine too!”

 

Ends

 

About Lion:

Lion Dairy & Drinks forms part of Lion, a leading beverage and food company with a portfolio that includes many of our region’s favourite brands.

 

Lion employs approx. 6,700 people across Australia and New Zealand predominantly and takes great pride in their local manufacturing footprint, which spans 34 sites – including milk, yoghurt, specialty cheese and juice sites, dairy farms and large breweries, craft breweries and wineries.

 

Lion is a company focused on long-term, sustainable growth. Lion has a clear ten-year strategy to transform the dairy and juice businesses and champion the nutritional credentials of their portfolio; reinvigorate their beer markets and contribute to vibrant and responsible drinking cultures; and build their presence in high-value categories in targeted Asian markets. To achieve this Lion invests in their core strategic assets – their people, brands, production facilities and supply chain.

 

 

Consumer Research Methodology:

The research was commissioned by Alt/Shift on behalf of Lion Dairy & Drinks and conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 1,037 Australians aged 18+ and 530 children aged 5-17 years old. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 30 March and 4 April 2017. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

 

[i] Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016. Australian Health Survey: Consumption of Food Groups from the Australian Dietary Guidelines, 2011-12 Cat no, 4364.0.55.012 -  (Only 10% of Australians consumed their recommended serves of dairy or alternatives compared to 4% for vegetables and legumes/beans, 31% for fruit, 30% for grain (cereals) and 14% for lean meats and alternatives.)

[ii] Thomas B, Bishop J. Manual of Dietetic Practice (4th ed). Blackwell Publishing: Carlton; 2007.

[iii] Lonergan Research 2017, commissioned by Alt/Shift on behalf of Lion Dairy & Drinks. Online Survey of 1037 Australian adults (nationally representative) and 530 children

[iv] Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2015, Australian Health Survey: Usual Nutrient Intakes, 2011-12  cat. no. 4364.0.55.008 (http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4364.0.55.008~2011-12~Main%20Features~Calcium~401)

[v] Lonergan Research 2017, commissioned by Alt/Shift on behalf of Lion Dairy & Drinks. Online Survey of 1037 Australian adults (nationally representative) and 530 children

[vi] Recommended number of serves for children, adolescents and toddlers https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/how-much-do-we-need-each-day/recommended-number-serves-children-adolescents-and

[vii] Bell, A.C.; Swinburn, B.A. What are the key food groups to target for preventing obesity and improving

nutrition in schools? Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2004, 58, 258–263. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Calcium

When it comes to maintaining strong bones and teeth, calcium does the heavy lifting.

This is the most common nutrient associated with milk - and for good reason! Milk contains the necessary calcium, ideal for not only growing bodies but essential throughout adulthood, to ensure your bones are healthy and strong well into old age, as part of a balanced diet.

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.

Iodine

The benefits of iodine are more than skin deep; they go all the way to your brain!

An essential nutrient found naturally in milk, as part of a balanced diet, iodine not only contributes to healthy skin but it is important for healthy brain function. Iodine also supports energy metabolism for your healthy, active body.

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.

Phosphorus

Like calcium, phosphorus in milk is a vital mineral for the maintenance of your bones.

As part of a balanced diet, this nutrient is crucial for energy metabolism, and plays an important part in keeping your teeth healthy – giving you every reason to smile!

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.

Potassium

Hydration is important post exercise, but also when it comes to maintaining your overall health and well-being, and potassium is a key contributor!

This essential nutrient assists in regulating your water and electrolyte balance, as part of a balanced diet, and helps maintain healthy nerve and muscle function. Potassium is also essential for kids, supporting their growth and development.

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.

Protein

Protein is a well-known essential nutrient for growth and development of muscles, as part of a balanced diet.

Although it’s often associated with meat, dairy is a great source of protein too! The building blocks of protein are amino acids, some of which are made naturally in our bodies but some need to be ingested in the food we eat. Protein is also needed to maintain healthy bones.

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.

Riboflavin

Easy on the eyes, as part of a balanced diet Riboflavin (or Vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient to maintain healthy eyesight.

Along with helping maintain normal vision, as part of a balanced diet, riboflavin helps the release of much-needed energy from food. This nutrient is especially beneficial for children, assisting in their growth and development.

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.

Vitamin B5

Feeling flat? Vitamin B5 is an essential nutrient found in milk that assists in reducing tiredness and fatigue.

As part of a balanced diet, vitamin B5 also naturally contributes to mental performance for a sharp mind. And, it supports energy production, ensuring your body can keep up with your busy lifestyle.

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.

Vitamin B12

Battle the fatigue and keep your energy up with B12!

As part of a balanced diet, this essential nutrient works to help reduce tiredness and assist energy metabolism - so you can be your active and energetic best.

So raise your glass and enjoy Pura, Dairy Farmers & Masters milk.