Dairy foods support healthy dietary patterns and nutrition security in the United States: a nutrient adequacy and affordability perspective

The United States is currently challenged by high rates of diet-related disease and nutrition insecurity especially among vulnerable populations, such as children and adolescents, older adults and those who are pregnant or lactating. This paper aims to explore the important role of dairy foods in supporting nutrient adequacy and nutrition security for all U.S. populations. The scientific evidence indicates that daily consumption of dairy foods is a foundational component of healthy eating patterns in the U.S. due to dairy foods’ complex nutrient package and cost-effective contributions of multiple shortfall nutrients (i.e., calcium, vitamin D, potassium). Dairy foods also provide an array of bioactive compounds and beneficial microorganisms that can support human health and well-being. Therefore, it is a major public health concern that most populations in the U.S. fall short of dairy food recommendations, putting them at increased risk for nutrient inadequacies and diet-related diseases. Continued research efforts, public health initiatives and communication strategies focused on the benefits of affordable nutrient-dense foods, such as dairy foods like milk, yogurt and cheese, can help support healthy dietary patterns and nutrition security for U.S. populations of all backgrounds and life stages.