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Rosemont, Ill., February 14, 2005 – A new study published today in Nutrition Today finds naturally calcium-rich milk is the most reliable source of this bone-building nutrient, superior to calcium-fortified soy and rice beverages and many orange juice brands. The study reveals that much of the calcium settles to the bottom of fortified soy and rice beverage containers, even after vigorous shaking. Researchers say that simply adding calcium to beverages does not make them nutritional substitutes for milk. In addition to calcium, milk provides protein, phosphorus, vitamins A and D, and many other nutrients.

“The calcium that you’ll find added to many soy beverages will have settled to the bottom of the container,” said Robert P. Heaney, MD, FACP, FACN, Osteoporosis Research Center at Creighton University, Omaha. “Hand shaking wasn’t enough; we found that really vigorous shaking, such as with a hardware store paint shaker, would have been needed to suspend the calcium in these beverages so you can put them in the glass and drink them.” This study shows that the nutrition label for milk is accurate for calcium in that the amount listed on the label is same as what is actually in the glass.

In this study, milk scored higher than all four soy or rice beverages, and eight of 10 orange juice products. Scores comparing calcium liquid suspension for two of the orange juice products were nearly the same as milk. Due to the inconsistent quality of calcium-fortification in soy/ rice beverages and orange juice brands, the researchers concluded milk is the most reliable calcium source.

Recently, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended 3 servings a day of calcium-rich milk and dairy foods, such as cheese and yogurt. For more information on the nutritional benefits of dairy foods, visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org. In addition, parents and educators can get fun recipes and tips on how to get 3-A-Day of Dairy at www.3aday.org.