2024 September Board Book

Needs Assessment and use of Fermented Dairy products by WIC-Eligible Women, Infants, and Children* RESEARCHER: Dr. Jennifer Smilowitz, UC Davis TIMELINE: 2024 - 2026 OBJECTIVES: 1. Evaluate the current utilization of fermented dairy products among WIC clients. 2. Identify the specific requirements and preferences of WIC clients regarding fermented dairy products. 3. Evaluate the effects of providing fermented dairy products to WIC clients on factors such as acceptability, usage patterns, overall experience, and dietary quality. 4. Examine the impact of providing educational materials and recipes on fermented dairy products to WIC clients, focusing on the knowledge gained regarding their health benefits. BENEFITS: • Aims to improve access to a diverse range of fermented dairy products and accompanying educational materials. • Promotes lifelong health through increased access to fermented dairy products. *This project is funded in partnership with Dairy Council of California. Improve Gut Function with Fermented Dairy Foods* RESEARCHER: Dr. Maria Marco, UC Davis TIMELINE: 2024 - 2025 OBJECTIVES 1. Conduct a comparative analysis of dairy-based and plant-based yogurts to evaluate their effects on intestinal responses, specifically focusing on their ability to prevent pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced damage to intestinal barrier integrity. 2. Investigate the compounds present in yogurt responsible for barrier protection and identify any soluble compounds shared between different dairy yogurt types that contribute to intestinal health. BENEFITS: • Enhances the perception of milk as a health promoting food by demonstrating the beneficial effects of yogurt on gut health. • Disseminates findings to inform consumers about the health benefits of dairy yogurt consumption and distinguish dairy yogurt from alternatives. *This project is funded in partnership with National Dairy Council

Milk Type in Toddlers (TOT): Evaluation of the Microbiome* RESEARCHER: Dr. Lorrene Ritchie, UC ANR TIMELINE: 2024 - 2026 OBJECTIVES 1. Evaluate the effects of milk type on adiposity, diet, vitamin D status, cardiometabolic health, and neurocognitive development through baseline and follow-up assessments. 2. Identify whether there are impacts on the gut microbiota associated with type of milk consumed by young children (whole milk vs 1%). 3. Integrate an evaluation of the effects of whole milk consumption on the gut microbiome (leveraging the NIH-funded Milk-Tot Study to address the microbiota’s impact on young children, an area with limited evidence). BENEFITS: • Informs the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics guidelines regarding the role of milk type in child health. Specifically, in regard to the health of the microbiome. • Provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare practitioners on optimal milk choices for children. • Influences the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, potentially leading to increased serving recommendations and recomendation of whole milk products for children 2 years and older. *This project is funded in partnership with Dairy Council of California.

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