Now that 2016 has wrapped up, let’s review some of the most influential discussions about dairy products and ingredients from the year. In our own Dairy Spotlight archives, we highlighted a study from Nutrition and Metabolism. It emphasizes the importance of protein quality, reporting high-quality proteins have characteristics for improved muscle benefits. Also, a position paper on sports nutrition states all athletes should consume complete proteins for maximum results. Both studies conclude that dairy proteins are high-quality for their branched-chain amino acid content, including leucine.     

In addition to our Dairy Spotlight posts, Judith Jarvis, MS, RDN, LDN recently shared a great roundup on DairyGood of the top science-based articles from NationalDairyCouncil.org. Many of them challenge years-old beliefs about the impact of dairy on human health. Read more in these top 10 articles of 2016:

• One More (Big) Piece to the Dietary Fat Puzzle: Previously unpublished data from a study conducted almost 50 years ago showed replacing saturated fat with vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid lowered blood cholesterol, but did not improve survival -- calling into question the traditional diet-heart hypothesis.
• The Value of Publishing All Research Findings: Dr. Mickey Rubin discusses the importance of publishing results from all studies, even if they run counter to prevailing wisdom at the time or do not support the researcher’s hypothesis – for not doing so undermines the public’s trust in nutrition science and nutrition recommendations.
• Can Whole Milk Dairy Foods Be a Part of the DASH Diet?: A randomized controlled trial indicates the DASH eating plan can be modified to include whole milk, yogurt and cheese while reducing carbohydrates primarily from fruit juices and sugars, and still provide health benefits.
• More Evidence Backs Butter: A meta-analysis found butter consumption was not associated with cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease or stroke, was associated with reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and was weakly associated with all-cause mortality. There is a need for more published research on the health effects of butter.  
• Cheese and Health: Making Sense of the Fat Headlines: The science on saturated fat, dairy foods and cardiovascular health continues to evolve. Two recent publications add to this evidence base and provide new insights for full-fat cheese and health, while supporting results of previous studies showing no association of saturated fat or dairy fat consumption with CVD.   
•  What’s Fat Got to Do With Type 2 Diabetes?: Emerging research is beginning to show a connection between biomarkers of dairy fat and lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, though more research is still needed to explain this link.
• Why is There Debate Over Sodium?: Interpreting inconsistent data and the evolving science on sodium and health is not easy. Here we share some thoughts and perspective on sodium and disease risk from the late Dr. Robert Heaney, renowned endocrinologist and researcher.
• Have You Heard the Latest About Dairy Foods and Stroke?: New research on dairy foods and stroke lends more evidence to support dairy food’s beneficial role in cardiovascular health.
• NOF & ASN’s Recommendations on Peak Bone Mass Throughout Life: In February the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the American Society for Nutrition published a joint scientific position statement indicating that while peak bone mass is dependent on several variables, getting enough calcium, physical activity, dairy foods and vitamin D during youth are key diet and lifestyle factors important for building peak bone mass.
• When a Child Breaks a Bone: The NOF/ASN position statement on peak bone mass helps us understand the role of nutrition and lifestyle factors in bone fractures during youth. The experience of a child breaking a bone offers health and wellness professionals a window of opportunity to discuss with parents how to help protect their child’s bones before a fall happens and throughout life.