Yogurt intake is associated with favorable nutrient intake and healthy body measures in US women: Results from NHANES 2007–08

This study examined the intake of yogurt in American women and studied the association with nutrient intake and body measures. The study used 1‐day dietary recall from NHANES 2007–08 for women ages 20+ (n=2,672). The study population was classified as either a yogurt eater (n=193, 7%) or a non‐yogurt eater (n=2479, 93%). Women who reported eating yogurt on 1+ occasion during the 1‐day recall were classified as yogurt eaters. Women who ate yogurt had significantly higher intakes of protein, vit. D, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, compared to non‐yogurt eaters (p<0.05). Forty‐two percent of yogurt eaters had Adequate Intake (AI) of calcium compared to only 24% of non‐yogurt eaters (p=0.0009). After adjusting for covariates, among yogurt eaters, BMI was lower by 1.3 kg/m2 (p=0.03), waist circumference was lower by 3.5 cm (p=0.02), body fat was lower by 1.5% (p=0.03) and waist‐to‐height ratio was lower by 2% (p=0.02) than non‐yogurt eaters. These data suggest that consumption of yogurt, as part of an overall healthy diet, may help adult women manage body weight and contribute to improved intakes of essential nutrients.