Calcium Intake Boost Sought

The American Dairy Association/National Dairy Council (ADA/NDC), in Rosemont, IL, has launched a "3-A-Day" campaign to help combat what it describes as America's calcium deficit.

Fully 75% of Americans are not meeting calcium recommendations, according to USDA data; in fact, research shows that most consume only half the recommended three servings daily, according to the ADA/NDN. The new 3-A-Day campaign—not to be confused with the Produce for Better Health Foundation's 5-A-Day fruit and vegetable campaign—is aimed to help reverse this trend.

Vital eating: "3-A-Day of dairy is an important health message," comments E. Stephen Edwards, MD, pres. of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). "The AAP supports this effort to educate families and children that calcium is a significant part of a daily diet and that it may be lacking. Along with an active lifestyle, eating right is vital to maintaining good health."

New 3-A-Day logos will appear on dairy products at retail, and "kid-friendly" 3-A-Day tips will be printed on school milk cartons. In addition, a "3-A-Day Week" campaign will kick off March 3-9, with a call to action on "3-A-Day Day," March 3.

At the same time, the campaign aims to educate consumers as to what constitutes correct dairy serving sizes. One portion of milk, for example, is eight ounces (one cup); one serving of cheese amounts to 1-1.5 ounces; and one serving of yogurt counts as eight ounces (one cup).

For more information, as well as information on recipes and contests, visit: www.3aday.org.