[Dairy products help aged care residents to maintain strong bones]

A well-performed and large intervention study by Iuliano et al. showed that protein and calcium supplementation via regular dairy products reduces the risk of fractures and falls in vitamin D replete older adults in aged care facilities. The study was performed in Australia, which raises the question whether their intervention might also be effective in aged care facilities in the Netherlands. Intake levels of protein and calcium are comparable between Australian and Dutch older adults. A higher protein intake, for example from dairy, is associated with higher muscle mass, muscle strength and bone density. Iuliano et al. showed that with accessible, regular food products, relevant health outcomes can be improved. These results are relevant for Dutch older adults as well. Future research should investigate whether sustainable dairy substitutes can be just as successful.