Milk consumption can reduce overweight in young?

PURPOSE For a healthy and proper growth and ensure a correct development in the developmental age educate a correct eating habits is essential. Bovine milk and milk products represent a very good source of proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Calcium and vitamin D were associated with overweight and obesity (O&O). The purpose of this study is to verify the dietary habits in young athletes. METHODS 152 young athletes (63 female and 89 male) aged from 8 to 18 years (13.4±2.5 yrs, height 159±14 cm) were evaluated. The assessment was composed by eating habits with questionnaire (INRAN) and body composition evaluations, with skinfold thickness for fat mass and bio impedance for fat free mass and hydration status. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS Lower consumption of milk and yoghurt (normal weight [NW] = 6.9±4.1 times/week, O&O = 5.0 ± 3.2 times/week, p=0.031) was found in O&O. A greater body fat (NW = 18.9±5.9%, O&O = 30.4±7.4%, p<0.001) and body water (NW = 32.0±7.7 l, O&O= 37.7±8.9 l, p=0.002) were found in O&O compared with NW young athletes.  CONCLUSIONS Some studies show a relationship between low intake of milk and excess of body fat. Decrease of consumption milk or yogurt compromises also absorption of protein and mineral and/or slows the growth in young population probably in terms of bone tissue and fat free mass. Educate a correct eating habits it is therefore necessary in order to find primary prevention strategies for reduce the risk of not communicable chronic diseases in adulthood.