DAIRY PRODUCTS

Why are they important to people with SCI?

Dairy products supply the best sources of calcium and vitamin D. In addition, they provide protein, vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, and certain minerals such as phosphorus.

You will notice that dairy products are high on the Food Guide Pyramid. That is because most dairy foods are high in fat. Therefore, you need to consume them in smaller portions than foods that are low on the Pyramid such as fruits, vegetables and grains. Another way to lower the high fat content is to choose low fat versions of milk, ice cream, cheese and yogurt.

Dairy products are high in calcium, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth. If you do not have enough calcium in your diet, you run the risk of developing several health problems. One condition is osteoporosis, where the bones become thin and brittle and can break easily. As a person with a SCI, you are especially susceptible to developing osteoporosis. That is because the bones that are located in the parts of your body that are paralyzed continue to lose bone mass. Osteoporosis often occurs in the bones of your body extremities, such as your legs, feet and hands. Bone mass loss can also occur in your jaw, leading to loosened teeth. Calcium is also important for maintaining the health of your circulatory system.

What are the Recommended Daily Amounts?

It is recommended that we eat 2-3 servings of dairy products per day. We should consume at least 800 mg of calcium a day.

Women who are post-menopausal should consume 1200-1500 mg of calcium a day. If you are lactose-intolerant or do not consume dairy products for other reasons, you can increase your calcium intake through calcium supplements found in any drug store.

Buttermilk
Skim Milk
Cottage cheese (low fat)
Ice Milk
Mozzarella (part skim)
Ricotta (part skim)
Yogurt (low fat)

1 cup
1 cup
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
1 oz.
1/2 cup
1 cup

100
90
85
90
72
170
120

285
300
70
90
180
340
400

SCI & Nutrition Facts is supported by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in Community Integration for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury at Baylor College of Medicine and TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research), Houston, TX, which is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education under grant #H133B40011. The U.S. Department of Education does not necessarily endorse the information in SCI & Nutrition Facts.

  ©2002 Baylor College of Medicine and TIRR. All rights reserved.