PT Health Life – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a qualified health claim that yogurt may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
1. What does the FDA declare about the effectiveness of yogurt in preventing diabetes?
Food manufacturers can now claim that yogurt reduces the risk of diabetes, according to a new ruling from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, qualifying health claims do not require rigorous scientific support, specific wording must be used, and yogurt is just one of many foods that can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
As of March 1, 2024, the FDA announced that it does not object to the use of certain qualified health claims surrounding the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes by consuming yogurt , as long as they are expressed in a way that does not mislead consumers. Two requests currently allowed include:
- “Eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (3 servings) per week, may reduce the risk of diabetes. The FDA has concluded that there is little information to support this claim.”
- “Eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (3 servings) per week, may reduce the risk of diabetes according to limited scientific evidence.”
2. What does the FDA rely on?
The FDA considers a qualified health claim to be one that is supported by scientific evidence but does not meet the standard of “substantial scientific agreement” (SSA). Therefore, the FDA requires specific wording surrounding these claims.
It should not be misunderstood that yogurt is a miracle cure for type 2 diabetes and a quick solution to their blood sugar levels. This is definitely not the case as not all yogurts are ideal for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Since 2018, Danone North America (whose subsidiaries include Dannon, Activia, and Silk Yogurt) has applied to the FDA for approval to market their products to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
This petition highlights yogurt’s evidence-based association with reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes. It also highlights that several studies have linked yogurt as a whole food. (and not simply individual nutrients) with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Over the next several years, the FDA reviewed this evidence, ultimately concluding that “some credible evidence” supported an inverse relationship between yogurt intake and diabetes risk ( although they note that “the evidence is limited”). Thus, a qualified health claim was born.
3. Can eating yogurt regularly really prevent diabetes?
Yogurt has long been known as a healthy food thanks to its high probiotic and protein content . Yogurt can help you control your blood sugar and provides a healthy dose of protein and gut-supporting probiotics to boot. It’s possible that these nutrients help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Yogurt is a good source of protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and can help regulate hunger signals later in the day, especially if eaten at breakfast.
On the other hand, probiotics may be a treatment for type 2 diabetes thanks to their ability to reduce inflammation, according to 2023 research. Some studies have also looked at the effects of yogurt on diabetes. type 2 road.
For example, a 2022 review in the Journal of Dairy Science found that most cohort studies showed that fermented dairy products were protective against the development of diabetes. . Among foods that protect against disease, yogurt is the most suitable. And a 2017 study in the Journal of Nutrition concluded that, in the context of a broader healthy diet, yogurt may reduce the risk of diabetes in healthy and older adults. have high cardiovascular risk.
However, not all studies are as impressive. A 2019 meta-analysis in the journal Nutrients found that probiotic yogurt had no effect on fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, or insulin resistance. And some yogurts can even be detrimental to people with (or at risk of developing) type 2 diabetes. Many yogurts on the market are sweetened with large amounts of added sugar, which This can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels.
4. Which yogurt is good for health?
When it comes to benefiting blood sugar and diabetes, unsweetened yogurt containing live bacteria (probiotics) may offer the greatest benefits, nutritionists say. . It’s best to eat protein-rich yogurt (like plain Greek yogurt) to balance blood sugar and regulate cravings. If you prefer a flavored version, you should choose one without added sugar.
Although yogurt may be beneficial for blood sugar levels, it is not the only food that helps prevent type 2 diabetes, for example foods like berries, beans, lentils, almonds and Avocado also has a low GI index, helping to stabilize blood sugar.
