2017 December Board Book

2018 Programs and Projects

ONGOING Scientific Research Projects Improving Health for the Elderly Through Increased Dairy Consumption Researchers are continuing to study the effects of increased dairy consumption on the risk of fractures in older and elderly individuals through a randomized clinical trial. It is a study of the anti-fracture efficacy of dairy foods with international partners. This project has been extended due to delays in sample collection. Funding leverage: 5:1. Time line 2013-2018. Cardiovascular and Immune Benefits to Elders from Increased Dairy Consumption This project is a holistic evaluation of the role of increased dairy intake on cardiovascular health and overall health markers, such as endocrine and immune function, and inflammation. This is a spin-off project from the randomized clinical trial investigating the effects of increased dairy consumption on the risk of fractures in elderly individuals. This project deadline has been extended due to delays in sample collection. Time line 2015-2018. Lactobacillus and Milk Interactions to Improve Epithelial Barrier Function Milk and dairy products are facing increased competition from other non-dairy fermented products and probiotic supplements. Therefore, fermented and probiotic fortified dairy products may be progressively displaced by non-dairy probiotic foods and supplements in the health food market place. The project will determine the effects of different combinations of milk and dairy products with and without probiotics on biomarkers of gut function, and to establish that milk and dairy products are the best vehicles to deliver the gut benefits of probiotics. Researchers are currently validating these findings. This research supports the dairy industry by providing direct and translational evidence for how milk and dairy products are important foods for the maintenance of human gastrointestinal

health. Time line 2017-2018. Milk, Health, and Genetics

Dairy-disease associations and correlations can hurt our industry. For a few diseases, such as osteoporosis and prostate cancer, epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between milk consumption and disease risk. However, these associations may be due to a third factor: population genetics. Researchers are conducting a genetics-only study of lactase persistence and its effect on cardiovascular health, prostate health, and gut health using genetics data from

thousands of subjects, leveraging an ongoing USDA-funded (worth $1,000,000 ) cross-sectional human phenotyping trial – The California Cohort. Funding leverage: 5:1. Time line 2017-2018.

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CDRF 2018 Proposed Budget Request