Food manufacturing companies in the United States of America can now claim that regular yoghurt consumption can reduce the risk of diabetes. On March 1, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved certain 'qualified health claims' that suggested that eating at least two cups or three servings of yoghurt per week can reduce the risk of diabetes, provided the food manufacturers mention that the evidence is limited.
The FDA defines qualified health claims as claims that are supported by scientific evidence but do not meet the “significant scientific agreement” standard required for an authorised health claim.
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This approval came years after Danone North America submitted a petition in 2018 requesting the FDA to allow them to advertise their products as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The petition included all supporting bodies of evidence that backed the association between regular yoghurt consumption and reduced diabetes risk.
“The petition also noted that the evidence supports the health effects of yoghurt as a food rather than related to any single nutrient or compound and thus is independent of fat or sugar content,” the FDA said in its announcement.
Can Yoghurt Really Reduce Diabetes Risk?
It is important to note that no single food can reduce your risk of any chronic conditions. It takes a combination of foods and lifestyle measures to make that sort of difference. However, speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Narendra BS, Lead Consultant – Endocrinology and Diabetology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, says that yoghurt serves as a nutritious snack option for individuals with diabetes.
According to him, it contains probiotics and proteins, which not only make it a gut-friendly food but also help regulate blood sugar levels.
In fact, a 2014 study published in BMC Medicine found people who ate more yoghurt were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who ate less yoghurt.
A recent review published in the Journal of Dairy Science also found that fermented dairy products “may offer protection against the development” of type 2 diabetes.
However, Dr Narendra says that while yoghurt may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, there's insufficient evidence to claim it can cure the condition.
Also Read: From Digestive Health To Lactose Digestion, Here Are Some Health Benefits Of Yoghourt
How To Choose The Right Yoghurt?
Dr Narendra recommends opting for plain yoghurt as it contains a low glycemic index and high protein content, which translates to the fact that it won’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
In general, 100g of low-fat plain yoghurt contains 7g of carbohydrates from natural sugars, which, according to the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, is considered healthy and good for health.
Most flavoured or branded yoghurts contain added sugar, which not only increases the risk of diabetes but also contributes to the risk of obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), stroke, and early death.