How credible are the health claims on milk powder products specially formulated for the middle-aged and above? Are these products really essential and necessary to the grown-up like infant formula to the babies?
The Consumer Council has conducted a study on 19 different such milk products targeting the growing market of ageing consumers, with the aid of an expert panel comprising medical doctors, dietitians and pharmacists.
The conclusions drawn in the study have put the validity of most of these health claims in doubt.
Furthermore, some products with relatively higher amount of energy or fat may not be suitable for people who are prone to overweight. Patients on medication of some chronic ailments should consult their doctors and registered dietitians before taking milk powder products.
The samples were broadly from 2 types: most (13) were directed at the middle-aged and elderly with specific age indications (e.g. aged 30 and above, 50+, etc.) and health claims of special concern to these age groups; the remainder samples (6) were promoted to diabetic patients.
Specifically, the study identified 4 kinds of ingredients and related health claims commonly found in the samples: omega 3 fatty acid, omega 6 fatty acid and heart health; prebiotics and gut health, immune system, calcium absorption; glucosamine and joint health; and choline and memory.
According to the experts, only the benefit of omega 3 fatty acid and omega 6 fatty acid to the heart has been clinically demonstrated and accepted by authorities in the US and EU.
The health claims of other ingredients are all without exception lacking sufficient or consistent clinical study results to substantiate their claims.
Further, the study found the fat, sugars and calcium contents of the samples targeted for the middle-aged and elderly to vary vastly and some were on the high side.
Milk powder targeted for the middle-aged and elderly
Fat
- On fat, the samples ranged from 0.3 g to 12 g per glass with recommended daily servings of 1 to 2 glass, 2 glasses, or 2 to 3 glasses.
- If one follows the recommended servings, the highest consumption could be 15.2 g fat per day in the case of the sample containing 7.6 g of fat per glass with recommended servings of 2 glasses a day, equivalent to some 25% of the WHO recommended daily fat intake of not exceeding 60 g (for a daily diet of 2,000?kcal).
- In the opinion of the experts, most of the milk powder products are usually needed by people who eat poorly or less than they should due to medical conditions or old age with poor appetite, swallowing problem, dementia, etc.
- If one has overweight problem, milk powder products with relatively high fat content are not suitable.
Sugars
- On sugars, the samples varied from 4.4 g to 17 g per glass; 8 were with added sugars as indicated on their ingredient lists.
- According to the experts, taking 2 to 3 glasses of milk powder products with added sugars increase the intake of sugars, which may lead to excessive energy intake and increased risk of overweight and obesity as well as risk of dental caries.
Calcium
- On calcium, the samples varied from 107.9 mg to 805 mg per glass. The recommended WHO daily intake of calcium for post-menopausal women and men above 65 is 1,300 mg, and the upper limit 3,000 mg.
- So if one follows the recommended servings of 2 to 3 glasses per day in the case of the sample with 720 mg calcium per glass, the highest consumption could reach 2,160 mg which is some 166% of the WHO recommended daily intake on calcium though, fortunately, still below the upper limit.
- The expert advice is: taking excessive calcium is not necessarily better nor does excessive calcium provide extra bone protection.
- In fact, if the calcium in one's diet and from supplements (including calcium compounds that are added in some milk powder products) exceeds the WHO upper limit, it could increase the risk of such health problems as kidney stones, constipation, impaired absorption of iron and zinc.
- Calcium can also interact with some medications including some synthetic thyroid hormones, antibiotics, bisphosphonates, etc. People on medication are advised to take milk powder products with caution, and to consult doctors or pharmacists beforehand.
Milk powder targeted for diabetic patients
- For milk powder targeted for diabetic patients, the samples varied in their content per glass of fat (2 g to 10.9 g), sugars (0 g to 11.6 g) and calcium (115.5 mg to 360 mg). In particular, 4 samples were labeled "low glycaemic index (GI)"
- According to the experts, diabetic patients who practice good control of blood sugar by medication, healthy balanced diet and lifestyle, low GI food or products are not a must. Low GI foods only provide additional benefits if a healthy diet and lifestyle is being followed.
- Research has shown that the amount of carbohydrate a person eat, rather than the GI rating (a system shows how quickly a food affects one's blood glucose level) of food consumed, has the biggest influence on blood glucose levels after meal. Choosing low GI foods might have additional benefits in blood sugar only if daily intake of carbohydrate is in good control. It is also important to follow a healthy diet that is low in fat, sugars and salt, and high in fiber.
- All the 6 samples made claims related to blood glucose and have included, as required by law, the disclaimer: "This product is not registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance or the Chinese Medicine Ordinance. Any claim made for it has not been subject to evaluation for such registration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease".
- Consumers are advised to take note that these milk powder products are not registered drugs or Chinese medicine for therapeutic or disease prevention purposes.
The use of dubious health claims, exaggerated or otherwise, on consumer products is a common marketing tactic and is ever on the rise with consumers being more health-conscious.
The Government is urged to strengthen its regulation on health claims of food products in the interest of better protection of consumers' rights and health.
Some tips on the usage of milk powder products:
- Milk and milk products are good sources of calcium and protein. On average, people can drink about 1 to 2 cups of milk as part of a balanced diet each day. Low-fat and skimmed milk are healthier choices. If people choose to drink milk powder products, they are advised to drink moderately and avoid overuse.
- People keeping a balanced diet and in sound health have no need for these milk powder products.
The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE (https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/).