In recent years, nutrition science has shifted focus from examining individual nutrients to understanding the health effects of whole foods. This approach acknowledges that the nutrient composition of a food doesn't always predict its overall health impacts. Whole foods, such as dairy products, are made up of complex structures containing various nutrients, bioactive compounds, and non-nutritive elements. These exist in forms ranging from fluids to semi-solids and solids, interacting within what is known as the "Food Matrix."
The Dairy Matrix concept highlights how dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yoghurt have health effects that extend beyond the sum of their individual nutrients. Research now recognizes that the unique interaction between the components in dairy results in multiple health benefits, which cannot be attributed to isolated nutrients alone.
This presentation will explore the Food Matrix model, focusing on its application to dairy. It will explain how the structure and nutrient interactions within dairy contribute to its broad spectrum of positive health outcomes, making dairy an essential component of healthy diets.
Hosted by Food Focus and sponsored by DSA
Presenter : Maretha Vermaak - Consumer Education Project Milk South Africa (Dietitian)
DATE: Wednesday 18 September
TIME: 9AM - 10AM
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Maretha Vermaak
Consumer Education Project of Milk SA
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Maretha Vermaak has been the dietitian for the Consumer Education Project Milk South Africa since 2008. The Project communicates the health and nutritional benefits of dairy to consumers and opinion leaders. Maretha was co-author of the scientific paper of the SA Food Based Dietary Guideline “Have milk, maas and yoghurt every day” as well as the international paper on The Dairy Matrix: Its Importance, Definition, and Current Application in the Context of Nutrition and Health.
She holds a B Dietetic degree and a Post-graduate Diploma in Hospital Dietetics from the University of Pretoria, in South Africa and has been working as a Registered Dietitian in private practice for 20 years, before joining Milk SA.
Maretha served on the Association of Dietetics in South Africa’s executive committee for five years and is currently an active member of the IDF’s standing committee Nutrition and Health (SCNH) and team leader of the action team on School Milk Programmes globally.
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