Dairy Council

On behalf of the European Milk Forum (EMF), which includes the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, Professor David J Armstrong interviewed Dr Sandra Iuliano about her landmark study showing that providing extra dairy foods to older people in residential care could significantly reduce fractures and falls.

Read more about the study and watch the interview below.

Preventing fractures and falls in older adults in residential care homes by improving dairy consumption:

Dr Iuliano and colleagues' study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that providing extra dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, to care home residents in Australia over two years was associated with a 33% reduction in all fractures, a 46% reduction in hip fractures and an 11% in falls.

The residents with improved dairy intake maintained bone density and appendicular (arm and leg) muscle mass while those following their usual diets continued to lose both.

The extra dairy foods were incorporated into existing menus in ways that suited the residents and catering staff. For example, introducing cheese and biscuits as a dessert option or cheese as a snack, making a sauce with added milk powder or serving a milky pudding or drink. In this way, dairy consumption increased from 2 to 3.5 (Australian) servings a day; equivalent to increasing from 3 to 4.5 servings in Northern Ireland.

Professor Armstrong, who is a Consultant Rheumatologist and Osteoporosis Lead at the WHSCT here in Northern Ireland and Visiting Chair at Ulster University, discussed this important study with the Principal Investigator, Dr Iuliano, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne.

Watch the full interview below.

Link to a short clip here.

Download the Summary Notes for the Interview.

Find out more about dairy and Muscle Maintenance in Older People, Bone Health and Dairy Matrix effects.