Happy coincidence: Daily yogurt helps keep diabetes away?

By Lily Shadle, Student Pharmacist, and Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

“Serendipity” is an idiom that means something good happens unexpectedly when it otherwise could have been a problem. Around 5,000 B.C. In the 4th century BC, when milk was exposed to warm temperatures and bacteria, yogurt was the happy accident.

Yogurt is a high-quality source of protein with micronutrients. Yogurt can be a source of vitamins A, B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). Other micronutrients include calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iodine and zinc. Yogurt contains little sodium.

Danone North America is known for its yogurt brands such as Activia, Oikos, Dannon, Silk and Danonino, a yogurt drink specifically for children. In December 2018, Danone submitted an application to the FDA to consider adding a health claim to yogurt regarding the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the body increasingly loses its ability to break down and absorb carbohydrates (sugar). This causes the body to make its own sugar using processes that can be harmful over time. The sugar consumed from food remains in the blood in large quantities, which can lead to health problems such as heart and kidney disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends changing your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein from lean meats, and dairy products to prevent this disease.

In 2023, the FDA reviewed 85 scientific studies, including 30 with moderate to high quality evidence, to evaluate the petition. The FDA made its decision on the claim in 2024.

On March 1, 2024, the FDA released a response to a qualified health claim that regular consumption of yogurt reduces the risk of T2DM. This claim would be permitted on any food label that the FDA considers to be yogurt. The evidence presented included 28 observational studies with either mixed results or a reduced risk of T2DM from yogurt.

The FDA will allow the following claims: “Regular consumption of yogurt, at least two cups (three servings) per week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.” The FDA has concluded that there is limited information There is evidence to support this claim.” And “Regular consumption of yogurt, at least two cups (three servings) per week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to limited scientific evidence.”

Consumers should be cautioned that these claims do not mean that simply consuming yogurt will prevent the onset of T2DM. These claims can be misleading because not all yogurt products are created equal. Some contain high levels of fat and sugar, which can lead to diabetes. When choosing yogurt, consumers should look for low-fat and low-sugar options to get the best benefit. Yogurt should be added to a balanced diet as recommended by the ADA, and that includes not overeating.

When choosing a yogurt, it is important to evaluate the amount of carbohydrates or sugar in the product. Choosing a Greek or Icelandic yogurt provides about 25% fewer carbohydrates (sugars) compared to regular yogurt. Both Greek and Icelandic yogurt provide more protein.

The FDA recommendation is based on any yogurt, but their review did not specifically address the probiotics found in some yogurts. In 2021, researchers published a summary of data from several clinical trials on probiotics and T2DM. The authors concluded that the probiotics contained in yogurt can help lower blood sugar and have beneficial effects.

Consider a happy accident and add yogurt to your diet!

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