Many Americans don't get enough calcium in their diets leading to: confusion or memory loss, muscle spasms, numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face, depression, hallucinations, muscle cramps, weak and brittle nails and easy fracturing of the bones. Calcium has been identified as a nutrient of concern in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

In Kentucky there are approximately 600 dairy farms and 6 commercial milk processing plants. Each dairy cow in Kentucky provides an average of 6.9 gallons of milk per day. Whole milk is the most common type of milk purchased followed closely by 1% due to WIC regulations at the only grocery store in Bath County Kentucky.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consumption of low-fat dairy products, including 1% milk, low-fat cheese, or low-fat yogurt. Our bodies need calcium, a mineral most commonly found in milk and dairy foods, to ensure strong healthy bones, teeth, and blood pressure.

While providing nutrition education to an adult learning center, clients participated in a blind milk taste-test. Whole, 2%, 1%, and Skim milk were poured into labeled containers prior to class. Participants were asked to taste each milk and determine the type. Upon tasting each of the 4 samples participants 90% were unable to correctly determine the 4 options.

After completion of the class one participant has changed the type of milk she uses in her home to a Skim milk. In general milk will have the same calcium and vitamin D content, however by switching from 2% milk to Skim milk she has removed added fat and calories from the diets of her and her family.