Yogurt and Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Exploring the Food and Drug Administration Qualified Health Claim and Potential Implications for Improving Public Health.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant public health burden in the United States today. As the incidence is predicted to increase, advancing our understanding of food-based recommendations that reduce risk of T2D is critical to improve public health. Over the past 2 decades, a body of scientific evidence has emerged demonstrating the association between consumption of dairy yogurt and reduced risk of T2D. This culminated in 2024, with the decision of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to announce a qualified health claim on the consumption of yogurt and reduced T2D risk. Qualified health claims enable specific messaging on the role that a food may play in mediating disease risk. As yogurt is a component of the underconsumed dairy food group within the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, communication on the relationship between yogurt and T2D risk can help encourage the public to increase intake of yogurt and, with it, nutrients of public health concern such as calcium. The key research included in the FDA enforcement discretion letter and evidence-based review is outlined. This Perspective illustrates the outcome of multisector work that includes scientific researchers, nonprofit and industry partners, and policymakers in the development and activation of science-based public health messaging.