In a concerted effort led by tribal leaders like Jonathan Nez, former president of the Navajo Nation, Indigenous communities are pushing for the removal of dairy from the USDA dietary guidelines, citing concerns over lactose intolerance and the impact on health within Indian Country.
For millennia, the Three Sisters diet—consisting of corn, beans, and squash—served as a cornerstone of nutrition for many Indigenous tribes in North America. Yet, Nez and others argue that Indigenous foods like these are not adequately represented in current dietary guidelines, which prioritize dairy products alongside essential food groups like vegetables.
With lactose intolerance affecting approximately 36% of the U.S. population, and even higher rates among people of color, the promotion of dairy consumption by federal guidelines is seen as problematic. Nez contends that dairy was never a traditional part of Indigenous diets and can contribute to health issues within these communities.
Efforts to rally support for this cause extend beyond tribal leadership, with organizations like the National Congress of American Indians backing the initiative. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, comprising 17,000 physicians, is also advocating for the removal of dairy from future dietary guidelines, citing research linking dairy consumption to adverse health effects, particularly among Native Americans and people of color.
Dr. Vanita Rahman of the Physicians Committee emphasizes that alternative sources of essential nutrients exist, rendering dairy consumption unnecessary. Moreover, studies have suggested a potential link between dairy intake and conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, which disproportionately affect Indigenous populations.
However, the dairy industry offers a counterargument, emphasizing the nutritional benefits of dairy products, especially for vulnerable populations like school-aged children. Amy Winters of the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association underscores the importance of maintaining dairy options in federal guidelines, citing the critical role of milk, cheese, and yogurt in providing essential nutrients.
While Nez’s efforts face resistance from stakeholders within the dairy industry, recent developments signal progress. The federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has announced plans to conduct a food simulation study tailored to Native Americans, aiming to address the lack of representation in dietary guideline formulation.
As the federal government prepares to release its 2025-2030 dietary guidelines, the ongoing dialogue surrounding the role of dairy in Indigenous diets underscores the importance of culturally sensitive and evidence-based nutritional recommendations.
