New Qualified Health Claim: Yogurt May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk
After a thorough evaluation spanning over five years, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a qualified health claim for yogurt, allowing it to carry the message that regular consumption of this fermented dairy product may help lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This marks the first-ever qualified health claim for yogurt by the FDA.
What Are Qualified Health Claims?
Qualified health claims are statements about the relationship between a food or dietary supplement and a disease or health condition that are not strong enough to meet the “significant scientific agreement” standard required for authorized health claims. The FDA allows qualified health claims because they are supported by some scientific evidence but must include a clear disclaimer or qualifying language to avoid misleading consumers.
Yogurt’s Health Benefits and the FDA’s Decision
The specific claim for yogurt states that “limited scientific evidence suggests that eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (3 servings) per week,” may help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This serving size recommendation is based on two high-quality prospective cohort studies that established this amount as the minimum intake necessary to experience the claimed effect.
Yogurt, which is made from milk fermented with bacteria or probiotics such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, is a rich source of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
The Link Between Yogurt and Type 2 Diabetes
Following a petition filed in 2018 by Danone North America, the FDA initiated an investigation into the relationship between yogurt and Type 2 diabetes. The review of existing research revealed that regular consumption of yogurt might contribute to a reduced risk of developing this chronic condition, which affects approximately 38 million people in the US and nearly 462 million individuals worldwide.
A Rare Occurrence: Qualified Health Claims for Food
Since 2000, qualified health claims have been allowed for dietary supplements. However, the FDA rarely approves these claims for food. In the past ten years, only ten food items have been authorized to carry such health claims, including high-flavonol cocoa powder for reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cranberry products for lower odds of recurrent urinary tract infections among women.
Conclusion
The FDA’s decision to grant a qualified health claim for yogurt represents an important step forward in recognizing the potential health benefits of this popular dairy product. By acknowledging the link between regular consumption of yogurt and a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, the FDA is paving the way for more informed choices in the realm of nutrition and overall health. Further research will undoubtedly continue to shed light on the various ways that yogurt can contribute to improved health outcomes for individuals around the world.
Sources
US Food and Drug Administration. (2019, October 18). FDA Grants First-Ever Qualified Health Claim for Yogurt. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-first-ever-qualified-health-claim-yogurt” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-first-ever-qualified-health-claim-yogurt
Danone North America. (2018, March 29). Danone North America Submits Petition to FDA Seeking Qualified Health Claim for Yogurt and Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from news-releases/danone-north-america-submits-petition-to-fda-seeking-qualified-health-claim-for-yogurt-and-type-2-diabetes-300615548.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/danone-north-america-submits-petition-to-fda-seeking-qualified-health-claim-for-yogurt-and-type-2-diabetes-300615548.html
