GDP Bulletin: June 2019

GDP Publishes New Report on Dairy and Non-Communicable Diseases

GDP has released a new paper outlining how the global dairy sector contributes to the United Nation’s goal of reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third globally by 2030.

Overview

  • Global sustainable development is challenged by NCDs, which include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases. Approximately 70% of all deaths annually worldwide are attributable to NCDs.
  • Poverty fuels NCDs. The socially disadvantaged tend to die sooner than those of means because of sub-optimal lifestyle choices and limited access to health services.
  • Modifiable risk factors (tobacco, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol) increase risk of NCDs.
  • In addition to the well-documented health and nutrition benefits of dairy consumption across all ages, dairy development positively impacts numerous economic and social factors associated with reduced poverty.
  • Sustainable food systems that integrate health, economic, societal and environmental solutions are integral to reducing NCD risk.
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Milk intake may be a marker for diet quality because of its high nutrient content.

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Scientific evidence consistently shows an inverse relationship between dairy intake and type 2 diabetes risk.

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In low- and middle-income populations that consume mostly plant-based diets, nutrient deficiencies include iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12. In addition, these populations depend on dairy for high-quality protein.

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A systematic review of literature found an inverse association between intake of dairy products and hypertension and stroke.

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A meta-analysis of prospective studies indicated that milk intake is not associated with total mortality and may be inversely associated with overall cardiovascular disease risk.

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Research suggests high-carbohydrate diets are associated with higher mortality, while total fat and types of fat are not associated with cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease mortality.

The Dairy Sector – A Snapshot

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1 billion people strong

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600 million people living on farms

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400 million additional people are supported by the full time jobs that are created in support of dairy farming

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240 million people are employed, directly or indirectly, in the dairy sector

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133 million dairy farms

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37 million farms led by women, 80 million women employed in dairying

Important Dates for the Dairy Diary

GDP Bulletin June 2019

8 min
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