This month’s newsletter highlights research on full-fat dairy, introduces a free healthy aging nutrition handout and shares upcoming professional learning opportunities. We hope these updates support your work elevating the health of California communities.
Whole milk and dairy foods are receiving renewed attention as science continues to evolve our understanding of dietary fats. A growing body of evidence shows that full-fat dairy has a neutral or positive impact on a range of health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease risk, type 2 diabetes and weight management. Dairy foods at all fat levels can fit within healthy eating patterns depending on individual needs, metabolic health and cultural preferences.
Read a new study that adds to the evidence-base for the inclusion of full fat dairy in eating patterns: The Effect of Three Daily Servings of Full-Fat Dairy for 12 Weeks on Body Weight, Body Composition, Energy Metabolism, Blood Lipids, and Dietary Intake of Adults with Overweight and Obesity.
Learn how cardiologists include dairy at all fat levels, including full-fat, in their nutrition recommendations. Cardiologists Share the Best Dairy Foods to Support a Healthy Heart.
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Dairy Supports Healthy Aging highlights how dairy foods, balanced nutrition and daily movement support wellness throughout adulthood. This easy-to-use resource offers practical tips to promote brain, bone, muscle and gut health as we age.
Available free of charge in English and Spanish as tear pads (50 sheets) and a downloadable digital resource for health professionals and community partners. Materials are approved by the California Department of Health Care Services for readability and suitability for Medi-Cal managed care plans.
Gut Health in Practice: Fermented Foods, Prebiotics, and Probiotics
March 12, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PDT
Presented by: Hannah D. Holscher, PHD, RD, FASN | Hosted by: New England Dairy
Gut health is one of the most talked about topics in nutrition and is increasingly relevant for health professionals. This webinar will explore what the science says and how it can be applied in practice. Approved for 1.0 CPEU
Register here.
2026 Food + Nutrition Trends for Education and Health Professionals
March 18, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.–1 p.m. PDT
Hosted by: Dairy Council of California
Explore the 2026 Food & Nutrition Trends shaping education, health systems and communities. Designed for health professionals and educators, this webinar highlights four key trends, their implications for practice and ways to apply these insights in your work. Approved for 1.0 CPEU
Register here.
Read the publication here.
Whole Milk + Dairy in Schools: Supporting Student Health and Success
March 25, 2026| 10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m. PDT
Hosted by: Dairy Council of California
An interactive session for school nutrition professionals and industry partners exploring the role of milk and dairy in child nutrition, understanding the science of how whole milk fits within healthy eating patterns, and reviewing evolving national guidance shaping school meals and beverage options.
Register here.
If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider sharing it with colleagues, partners or students who may benefit from nutrition insights and practical resources.
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We are gathering feedback from our partners and stakeholders to help strengthen our programs and collaborations. The survey takes just a few minutes, responses are anonymous, and you'll be entered to win 1 of 8 Amazon or Target gift cards ($25 value). We appreciate your input—take the survey here.
Questions or opportunities for collaboration? Please contact Bessie O’Connor, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at boconnor@dairycouncilofca.org.