The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to permit yogurt manufacturers to claim that consuming yogurt may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This decision is based on a review of scientific evidence, including observational studies that suggest an association between yogurt consumption and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The FDA will allow dairy companies to state that eating yogurt regularly—at least two cups or three servings per week—may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to limited scientific evidence.
Danone's Role and the Scientific Evidence
Danone North America, a subsidiary of the French company Danone SA, requested the FDA to approve the health claim in 2018. The company cited 32 studies to support the claim that yogurt consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, a benefit not observed with other types of dairy. Danone's application was based on growing evidence, including a 2014 study from the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition. It's important to note that six of the studies cited in Danone's application received at least partial funding from Danone or a related company.
Concerns About Added Sugar in Yogurt
The FDA expressed concern that the health claim on yogurts with significant amounts of added sugars could contribute to excessive calorie intake. The agency encourages careful consideration of whether to use the claim on yogurts high in added sugars. For example, Yoplait's single serve pina colada yogurt contains 13 grams of added sugar, and Danone's Dannon creamy classic peach mango yogurt has 9 grams of added sugar, both of which are considered high according to FDA guidelines.
FDA's Reasoning and Qualifying Language
The FDA's decision is informed by the totality of scientific evidence, which includes 28 observational studies. The evidence suggests some credible association between yogurt intake and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, but it is limited and based exclusively on observational studies. The FDA has determined that qualifying language should be included to convey the limits on the strength of scientific evidence supporting the relationship, describing it as "limited."
Enforcement Discretion Factors
The FDA will consider enforcement discretion for yogurts that do not exceed disqualifying nutrient levels for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium. The agency has not set a disqualifying nutrient level for added sugars. The FDA's enforcement discretion is based on the premise that allowing the claim will assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary practices, provided the yogurt does not exceed certain nutrient levels.
Summary
The FDA has allowed a new health claim for yogurt, stating that regular consumption may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This decision is based on limited but credible scientific evidence and is subject to certain conditions regarding the product's nutrient content. Danone North America played a significant role in advocating for this claim, supported by scientific studies, some of which they funded. The FDA's approach aims to balance the potential health benefits of yogurt with concerns about added sugars and other nutrients that could detract from those benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is the impact of yogurt consumption on reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes compared to other dietary changes?
While yogurt consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, the impact compared to other dietary changes is not explicitly quantified in the provided sources. However, dietary patterns as a whole contribute to risk reduction, not single foods or nutrients.
How does the addition of sugars or artificial sweeteners to yogurt affect its health benefits?
The FDA expressed concern that yogurts high in added sugars could contribute to excessive calorie intake, potentially detracting from the health benefits associated with yogurt consumption. However, the decision does not specifically address artificial sweeteners.
What additional research or studies does the FDA believe are necessary to further understand the link between yogurt consumption and diabetes risk reduction?
The FDA's decision suggests that while there is some credible evidence supporting a relationship between yogurt intake and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, the evidence is limited and based on observational studies. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, may be necessary to establish a clearer understanding of the link.
