Can yogurt reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes?
Sharp-eyed grocery shoppers may notice new labels in the dairy aisle touting yogurt as way to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
That’s because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently said it’s OK for producers of yogurt to make that claim — even though the agency acknowledged that it’s based on limited evidence.
WHY DID FDA ALLOW YOGURT MAKERS TO CLAIM IT CAN LOWER DIABETES RISK?
Danone North America, the U.S. branch of the French firm that makes several popular yogurt brands, asked the FDA in 2018 for clearance to make what is known as a “qualified health claim.” FDA gave Danone the nod in March.
The way FDA sees it, there’s some support — but not significant scientific agreement — that eating at least 2 cups of yogurt per week may reduce the risk of developing the disease that affects about 36 million Americans.
WHAT IS A ‘QUALIFIED HEALTH CLAIM’?
Those are claims that lack full scientific support but are permitted as long as the product labels include disclaimers to keep from misleading the public.