Irish Teenagers Fall Short on Calcium as FSAI Issues New Dietary Guidelines
More than half of Irish teenagers consume inadequate levels of calcium, according to research commissioned by the National Dairy Council. The findings emerge as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) publishes its first scientific report setting out dedicated dietary guidelines for adolescents aged between 9 and 18, setting intake recommendations at four to five daily servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese.
The National Dairy Council-commissioned analysis of the National Teens’ Food Survey II, prepared by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance in October 2023, revealed that Irish teenagers consume an average of just under two servings of dairy per day. The data showed that adolescents consuming higher amounts of dairy achieved better overall diet quality.
Scientific Recommendations Target Rapid Adolescent Development
The FSAI report, developed by its Scientific Committee, accounts for substantial variations in energy and nutrient requirements during adolescence due to factors like age, size, sex, and physical activity. Approximately 40% of total bone minerals are acquired during early teenage years, with 95% of adult bone mass achieved within four years of this peak, according to the National Dairy Council.
Prof Kevin Cashman, who chaired the FSAI Public Health Nutrition Subcommittee during the report’s development, noted that children lay down 40% of their bone mass during this stage to protect against osteoporosis in later life, alongside gaining 50% of adult weight and 20% of adult height. To meet these demands, the FSAI recommends six to 10 servings of carbohydrate foods daily—scaling up to 13 servings for some adolescents—alongside four to five daily servings from the milk, yogurt, and cheese food group.
Addressing alternative products, the FSAI stated that plant-based dairy replacement foods and drinks are not recommended for adolescents due to their nutritional composition and the need for the addition of calcium and other micronutrients. For teenagers who are lactose intolerant or require alternatives, the authority advises calcium-fortified soya beverages for males, while females require brands fortified with both calcium and iodine.
The FSAI report also found that protein goals are easily achieved despite reductions in meat consumption, rendering protein powders, shakes, and supplementary drinks unnecessary. The committee also recommends oily fish once a week to improve omega-3 fatty acid intake, alongside a vitamin D food supplement tailored to individual age, ethnicity, and season.
Athletes and Experts Challenge Short-Term Fitness Standards
Marking World Osteoporosis Day on October 20th, the National Dairy Council challenged the perception that bone health exclusively concerns older populations. Dr. Mary Harrington, Senior Nutritionist at the National Dairy Council, stated that many young people fall short of required nutrients despite adolescence serving as a critical period for bone development.
Two Irish figures shared personal experiences to encourage younger generations to prioritize long-term health over appearance. European elite boxing champion Lisa O’Rourke is among the Irish women who understand the importance of prioritising nutrition and long-term health.
Fitness expert Nathalie Lennon experienced an eating disorder and loss of her menstrual cycle following restrictive eating early in her career. A subsequent bone density scan revealed lower-than-expected bone health, prompting her to advocate for lifelong nutrition over short-term aesthetic goals.
Irish Teenagers Consume Less Dairy than Recommended
What daily dairy intake do Irish teenagers currently average? Research prepared by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance shows Irish adolescents consume an average of just under two servings of dairy per day, falling significantly short of the FSAI recommendation.
Why are plant-based dairy substitutes discouraged by the FSAI for teenagers? The FSAI notes that plant-based alternatives are not recommended due to their nutritional composition and the necessity of added calcium and micronutrients.
How much bone mass is developed during the teenage years? Approximately 40% of total bone minerals are acquired during early adolescence, with 95% of adult bone mass established within four years of that peak.
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