Every year, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) invests in scientific research to advance the future of the dairy industry.

In 2024, DFC invested $2 million in human nutrition and health, as well as dairy production research, along with an additional $7 million leveraged through grant opportunities and partnerships. DFC supports research programs targeting the investment priority areas and outcomes of the National Dairy Research Strategy.

Each year, DFC publishes the Research Highlights report featuring information on research investments, progress and developments from ongoing projects.

The 2024 report includes results and updates from a selection of human nutrition and health research projects. The report contains information about the pursuit of evidence-based health claims for Canadian dairy products, validating the superiority of dairy as an optimal protein source, the public health benefits of adding dairy to the diet, and dairy’s role in bone health.

Learn more about DFC’s commitment to research and innovation in the 2024 Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Research Highlights report. 

Validating dairy's role as a complete and superior protein source: Project Proteos

Project Proteos is a major international research project led by renowned protein expert, Paul Moughan from Massey University in New Zealand, and collaboratively funded by a consortium of food-based organizations and brands, including DFC. The project focuses on developing an advanced understanding of protein quality across various sources, including dairy, using the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recommended method: digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS). This method offers a more accurate assessment of the nutritional value of proteins in human diets than previous methods.

Currently, protein quality in the U.S. and many other countries is assessed using the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) method. The concern with this method is that it underestimates the quality of animal-based protein foods and overestimates that of plant-based protein foods.

While the FAO recognizes that the DIAAS method is ideal for assessing protein quality, more published data is required before adopting this as the main method for assessing protein quality. Project Proteos aims to address this research gap, which will help to ensure adoption by the FAO and other jurisdictions.

Transitioning to the DIAAS method will highlight dairy’s role as a complete and superior source of protein compared to many plant-based options and strengthen dairy’s position as a vital part of healthy diets.

Dairy's role in preventing bone fractures and falls in aged care: Key findings from the fractures trial

A pivotal research study has shown that increasing dairy intake in aged care settings can have a profound impact on reducing bone fractures and falls while improving nutritional intakes. The project, conducted by a research team at the University of Melbourne, found that by incorporating more milk, cheese and yogurt into their daily diets, elderly individuals can strengthen their bones and muscles, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing healthcare costs associated with fractures and falls.

The study was funded by Dairy Australia and members of the Dairy Research Consortium, including DFC.

Estimated economic and health impact of low dairy consumption

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are investigating how dairy consumption impacts the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis in Canada. Both conditions share common risk factors, including poor diet, particularly low dairy intake.

Recent changes in Canada’s Food Guide, which removed dairy as a food group, have raised concerns about potential health and economic consequences. Therefore, this research project aims to address two critical gaps in Canadian public health knowledge:

1. What is the impact of low consumption of dairy products on CVD and osteoporosis from a health economics perspective in the Canadian context?
2. How does an optimal intake of dairy influence the development of CVD and osteoporosis?

This study could play a pivotal role in shaping Canadian dietary guidelines and public health initiatives, particularly around the promotion of dairy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the research team hopes to encourage healthier dietary habits that reduce the risk of chronic diseases like CVD and osteoporosis. In doing so, this research underscores the value of dairy as a key component of a diet that supports long-term health and economic sustainability.

This article was written by Jeanine Moyer, Annik L’Espérance and Maria Kalergis of the Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) invests in scientific research to foster innovation in the Canadian dairy sector. DFC supports research initiatives that benefit all Canadian dairy farmers and works in collaboration with its members and other sector partners to address priorities outlined in the National Dairy Research Strategy. The goals of this strategy are to increase farm efficiency and sustainability, enhance animal health, care and welfare practices, and strengthen the role of dairy in human nutrition and health, as well as in sustainable diets. Visit DFC Dairy Research for more information.