The Food and Drug Administration has approved new health claims linking calcium and vitamin D with bone health and a reduced risk of osteoporosis, allowing processors to add these claims to the labels of eligible foods, including dairy products. The claims can be used on packages of reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free milk and qualifying yogurt varieties, as well as other food products that qualify as excellent sources (20 percent or more of recommended Daily Value) of calcium or calcium and vitamin D per standard serving.
Per the final rule, model health claims that can be used include:
For foods that are excellent sources of calcium only:
Adequate calcium throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Adequate calcium as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.
For foods that are excellent sources of both calcium and vitamin D:
Adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.
To learn more about how these new claims open up opportunities to promote dairy products, click here.
To view the full FDA report, click here.