Consumers may now have another reason to head to the yogurt aisle to reach for a protein-rich cup of yogurt to fill them up and fuel them throughout their day. On March 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a petition for yogurt companies to claim that their products may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. So as not to mislead consumers, the health claims must be worded correctly and meet other factors for use of the claim.
Back in 2018, the FDA responded to a qualified health claim petition submitted on behalf of Danone North America, the food producer behind several yogurt brands, including Oikos, Activia and Two Good. They requested that the agency review the use of a qualified health claim regarding the relationship between consumption of yogurt and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes for all types of yogurts that meet the FDA’s standard of identity.
After reviewing the petition and other studies related to the proposed qualified health claim, the FDA determined that there is some credible evidence supporting a relationship between yogurt intake and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, but this evidence is limited. As noted in the petition, the association was based on yogurt as a food, rather than any single nutrient or compound in yogurt, regardless of fat or sugar content.
The FDA considers 2 cups (3 servings) per week of yogurt to be the minimum amount for this qualified health claim. The letter discusses the factors that FDA intends to consider in the exercise of its enforcement discretion for the use of a qualified health claim on yogurt and the relationship between the consumption of yogurt and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. So, while the agency will allow yogurt companies to advertise the link, they must note that there's limited information backing it.
The FDA will also require companies to acknowledge the minimum serving size connected to the evidence and has advised "careful consideration" before promoting the connection on products with excess amounts of sugar:
- “Eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (three servings) per week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. FDA has concluded that there is limited information supporting this claim."
- “Eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (three servings) per week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to limited scientific evidence.”
However, the decision ultimately allows Danone brands and its competitors, including Chobani and Yoplait, to include this claim of lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes on product labels.
As far as yogurt's claimed ability to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, there does seem to be some evidence, but as the FDA points out, the link is unsubstantiated. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2017 cites observational evidence to conclude that adults who consumed yogurt daily faced a 14% lower risk of developing the disease, while a 2022 review of human and animal studies in the Journal of Dairy Science suggested that fermented dairy products, including yogurt, may offer protection against type 2 diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance and improving glycemic control. Still, it was noted that additional studies were required to test these results among different populations. Since the FDA also stated that the consumption of yogurt itself, rather than one specific component of it (fermented dairy or otherwise), was where it drew the connection, it suggests that more concrete evidence is needed to make a significant claim.
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels, has emerged as a global health concern affecting millions worldwide. One of the key mechanisms through which yogurt exerts antidiabetic effects is by stabilizing blood sugar levels. The protein and fat content in yogurt helps slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid spikes in blood glucose following meals. Additionally, the presence of probiotics may enhance insulin sensitivity, enabling cells to utilize glucose more effectively for energy.
So, when you're looking for a healthy snack idea, yogurt can be a good choice. The product not only is packed with nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, potassium and protein, but some studies have even linked consuming it with lowering high blood pressure and improving heart health. The presence of probiotics in this fermented food could also aid digestion and improve overall gut health which, in turn, can have a positive effect on various metabolic functions in the body.Types of product claims
Health claim: Characterizes the relationship between a substance and a disease or health-related condition
Qualified health claim: Is supported by scientific evidence but does not meet the more rigorous “significant scientific agreement” standard required for an authorized health claim
Authorized health claim: A health claim that the FDA has authorized for use based on "significant scientific agreement" on the subject
Nutrient content claim: Describes the level of a nutrient in a food
Structure/function claim: Describes the role of a nutrient or ingredient on the structure or function of the human body
