Abstract
Background: The association between milk-derived or dairy product intake (DPI) and the body composition (BC) of children and adolescents continues to be controversial. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the association between the quantity and quality of DPI and the BC of Mexican children and adolescents. Methods: A secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional population-based sample of 2104 children and adolescents (aged 4-18 years) recruited from schools in Mexico City was performed. To assess the association between the quantity and quality of DPI, evaluated by questionnaire, and BC, dual X-ray densitometry (DXA) and surrogate parameters of the fat mass index (FMI) and lean mass index (LMI) were used. The adequacy of the quantity and quality of DPI was classified according to age-specific recommendations and the sugar, sodium and fat contents of the products consumed. Relationships were assessed by means of lineal regressions adjusted for age, sex, physical activity, sleep time and screen hours. Results: We included a total of 1840 participants aged 4.5-18 years, 52% of whom were female. Average daily DPI was 4.0 ± 2.4 servings/day, with a predominance of milk without sugar (42.7% of DPI). The quantity and quality of DPI significantly reduced the FMI (beta = -0.1 kg/m(2), 95% CI -0.17 to -0.06, p < 0.001 and beta = -0.17 kg/m(2), 95% CI -0.26 to -0.07, p < 0.001). No significant relationships were seen with the LMI. Conclusions: Higher quantities of good-quality DPI are associated with lower adiposity in Mexican children and adolescents.