Dairy products consumption in Brazil is associated with socioeconomic and demographic factors: Results from the National Dietary Survey 2008-2009

Objective To estimate the consumption of dairy products in the Brazilian population. Methods Data from two non-consecutive food records from 34,003 individuals (aged >= 10 years) in the first Brazilian nationally representative dietary survey (2008-2009) were used to estimate the dairy products intake. Dairy products were divided into four major subgroups: cow's milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. Absolute and relative frequencies of individuals in the population who reported consumption of dairy products in at least one of the two-day food record according to sex, age, geographic region and levels of per capita monthly family income were calculated. Moreover, the mean consumption of dairy products, as well as their nutritional contribution in total energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium intake was estimated. Results It was observed that only 43.0% of the population reported consuming dairy products, being the milk subgroup the most frequently consumed (21.1%). The prevalence of consumption was higher among females, elderly, residents of the South region, and among individuals from higher per capita monthly family income. The nutritional contribution of dairy products was less than 10.0% of total energy intake and for most nutrients and the mean daily consumption are justified was 101.8g. Conclusion Therefore, in view of the low intake of dairy products by Brazilian population and the nutritional benefits associated with this food group, public health strategies to increase dairy consumption are justified.