Avoiding consumption of dairy a "concern" for future wellbeing: Aussie scientists

One in six Australians are choosing to avoid the consumption of dairy -- something which could lead to dangerous health concerns later in life -- according to Australian scientists on Wednesday.

A survey conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) found the vast majority of dairy avoiders (74 percent) were doing so simply to avoid temporary symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas and cramps.

As a result of the survey, scientists are concerned the lack of dairy in one's diet could lead to deficiency of calcium, as well as a heightened risk of developing conditions such as osteoporosis.

Bella Yantcheva, behavioral scientist at the CSIRO, said without dairy -- one of the five main food groups -- many Australians could face dangerous health risks later in life, with women particularly at risk.

"The scale of people restricting their diet without a medical reason is very concerning in terms of the public health implications, especially for women," Yantcheva said in a statement on Wednesday.

"It means there is potential for nutritional deficiencies or imbalances, or the risk that an underlying health condition could be going untreated."

Yantcheva also said there was a prevalence of cutting out grains from one's diet, something which, when combined with dairy avoidance, could become "far more serious" for many Australians.

"The numbers show that cutting out significant, basic food groups isn't a fad but something far more serious," Yantcheva said.

"According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, dairy and grain-based foods are important for a balanced diet. They contribute significantly to our intake of fiber, protein and a wide range of essential vitamins and nutrients, on top of calcium in dairy's case."

She said it was important for Australians to stick to the recommended food groups to avoid dietary and health-related issues later in life.

"It's not just about missing out on the food type being avoided and risking your health, but also possibly overconsuming other foods to compensate as well," she said. Endit