The decision was in response to a petition filed in 2018 by US food company Danone North America. The company sought FDA approval to allow it to market that yogurt can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to NBC News .
The FDA has confirmed that it will not challenge the claim, with some caveats. The message to consumers should be that the evidence is limited and that eating 2-3 servings of yogurt per week is the threshold for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
More ways to reduce your risk of diabetes
Danone's recommendation cites the nutritional profile of protein, vitamins, and low sodium content in yogurt, along with studies showing that regular yogurt consumption reduces the risk of diabetes and related conditions.
Of course, the amount of sugar and fat in yogurt varies greatly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says: Low-fat, unsweetened yogurt is low in calories and a healthy source of protein, vitamin D, and calcium, according to NBC News.
However, flavored yogurts should be limited as they often contain a lot of added sugar.
Research has long shown that consuming a lot of added sugar increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Evidence suggests yogurt reduces risk of diabetes
Some evidence suggests that the live cultures and whey protein in cow's milk may help reduce the risk of diabetes, says Kerry Hackworth, nutrition expert and director of nutrition for the National Dairy Council.
A 2023 study published in the scientific journal Nutrients found that whey protein, found in cow's milk and yogurt, has been shown to reduce post-meal blood sugar levels and stimulate insulin release.
Choose low-fat, sugar-free yogurt because it is low in calories and a healthy source of protein, vitamin D, and calcium.
A 2022 study found that yogurt may protect against the development of type 2 diabetes.
Yogurt is also part of the Mediterranean diet, along with other staples like fresh produce, whole grains, olive oil, and fish. A 2020 study found that following the Mediterranean diet significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
A 2019 study also published in Nutrients found that yogurt may have a positive impact on gut microbiota, fasting blood sugar, and A1C.
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a professor of nutritional sciences at Tufts University (USA), chair of the global expert group on nutrition and chronic diseases, who responded to Danone when the company drafted the petition, said the FDA's decision was reasonable, especially when given the growing evidence of the health benefits of fermented yogurt, according to NBC News.
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