As a credentialed health professional with expertise in nutrition and exercise science, I would like to respond to a recent letter “Dairy products are unhealthy, says Potsdam man” (Jan. 10).

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Heart Association all see the value of dairy in a healthy diet. Additionally, the American Cancer Society’s current nutrition and physical activity guidelines encourage the consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods. The current 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans includes low-fat and fat-free dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt). Dairy foods can help maintain bone health. Research from longitudinal cohort studies such as the Framingham Heart Study, have found benefits of low-fat dairy consumption on various health measures, including blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Dairy foods are a nutrient-dense food option that are also affordable. Milk offers a unique and powerful combination of 13 essential nutrients, like vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and protein that are essential to a healthy immune system. Dairy foods provide about 54 percent of the calcium, 56 percent of the vitamin D and 18 percent of the protein consumed by Americans. Milk and yogurt are excellent food choices to provide key nutrients of concern, such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein. This is particularly important for families struggling to meet their child’s nutritional needs through whole foods.

It is incredibly frustrating to see health and nutrition misinformation shared by individuals and organizations with an agenda, and communicating based on opinion and use of selective scientific evidence.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is an organization that consistently promotes an anti-dairy and anti-animal food eating plan, which is not appropriate or realistic for everyone. Its views are not in alignment with the American Medical Association, National Osteoporosis Foundation and other health organizations. PCRM’s misrepresentation of nutrition science is potentially damaging and irresponsible to consumers. Its statements about dairy foods are not broadly supported by the nutrition science community.

People should seek the evidence-based advice of reputable health professionals with appropriate credentials to learn the best ways to meet their nutrition and health and wellness needs. You can locate a list of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists at eatright.org.

Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN,

CSSD, FAND,

Cazenovia