Dairy Council of California co-hosts June 12 symposium at IFT's food expo

From body builders to baby boomers, more Americans are consuming higher-protein diets for benefits including muscle building and maintenance in later life, satiety, weight loss and more.

To help the food industry stay abreast of advancing research on the health benefits of protein and keep step with the changing consumer landscape, Dairy Council of California and National Dairy Council are co-sponsoring a symposium presentation at the 2011 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT's) Annual Meeting and Food Expo on June 12 in New Orleans, La.

Titled "Rethinking Protein Requirements and Recommendations: Beyond Muscle," expert speakers will outline new research on protein's health benefits, summarize current recommendations for dietary protein, outline consumer perceptions around protein and provide the food industry with guidance on how to best optimize their products in the marketplace.

"More and more people are turning to protein for health benefits at various stages of life and for various health benefits. Session attendees will walk away with a more complete understanding of the latest research around protein intake and satiety, weight management and reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle and physical function," said Lori Hoolihan, Ph.D., R.D., Dairy Council of California's nutrition research specialist and co-moderator of this session. "Attendees will also learn how consuming protein-rich foods-including milk, cheese and yogurt-at regular intervals throughout the day helps consumers reap maximum health benefits."

Research experts scheduled to speak during the session include:

• Douglas Paddon-Jones, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. Dr. Paddon-Jones will review current dietary recommendations for protein intake, review how we build muscle in response to protein and how aging, physical activity and hospitalization affect our protein needs. Dr. Paddon-Jones will also discuss the importance of consuming high-quality sources of protein throughout the day.
• Donald Layman, Ph.D., professor emeritus of nutrition, University of Illinois. Dr. Layman will focus on the role that protein plays in numerous areas of adult health beyond building muscle. Dr. Layman will also present evidence indicating that intakes above the current Dietary Guidelines and recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein may result in additional health benefits beyond just preventing deficiency diseases.
• Cara Kelly, director, strategy, insights and planning with Dairy Management, Inc. will provide insights on older adult attitudes, opinions and behavior relating to dietary protein and new research (Spring, 2011) on how older adults perceive protein to be important for healthy aging, and positive marketing messages that resonate with this group.