HHS HealthBeat (March 25, 2008)

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Getting enough low-fat dairy?

Low-fat dairy products not only help build strong bones, but new research suggests they can protect blood pressure in women.

The study looked at more than 28,000 middle-aged and older women.

It found the risk of new high blood pressure was 11 percent lower for women who consumed the most low-fat dairy products.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends people consume three cups a day of fat-free or low-fat milk, or equivalent dairy products.

Researcher Lu Wang of Brigham and Women’s Hospital:

“Our study findings support this recommendation and we emphasize the importance of low-fat dairy products versus high-fat dairy.” (8 seconds)

The study in the journal Hypertension was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: March, 24 2008