Bukade Adesina, Karen Byrd of Purdue University win Prestigious Dairy Management Inc. Grant for groundbreaking nutrition research

 

In a significant breakthrough that promises to enhance nutrient consumption among young American adults, Bukade Adesina, a distinguished consumer researcher based in the United States and Karen Byrd of Purdue University have been awarded the prestigious Dairy Management Inc. Grant for their groundbreaking work on increasing dairy consumption among young American adults. Their research, which aims to tackle declining dairy intake among university students, has significant implications not only for the United States but also for developing nations like Nigeria, where malnutrition and food safety remain pressing concerns.

The award-winning project explores barriers to dairy consumption, using a data-driven framework to develop effective nutritional interventions. The research highlights key factors influencing young adults’ food choices, such as accessibility, dietary preferences, and food safety perceptions. By analyzing these elements, Adesina and Byrd’s work proposes strategic solutions that make dairy more appealing and accessible in foodservice environments, particularly on university campuses.

“This research is critical because dairy is a key source of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins, yet many young people are not consuming enough of it,” says Adesina, a lead researcher in food and nutrition at Purdue University. “Our goal is to design interventions that not only encourage students to incorporate dairy into their diets but also ensure that these solutions are practical and sustainable.”

For Bukade Adesina, this research carries additional significance, given his extensive work on nutrition and dietary interventions in Nigeria. He has spent years studying consumer behavior, agricultural economics, and food security, advocating for policies that improve access to nutritious foods in Nigeria.

“The lessons we are learning from this study in the United States can be directly applied to Nigeria and other developing nations, where dairy consumption is even lower and malnutrition rates are alarmingly high,” explains Adesina. “In Nigeria, where micronutrient deficiencies and child stunting are widespread, affordable and accessible dairy products could provide much-needed nutritional support.”

Adesina’s work aligns with Nigeria’s need for improved dietary interventions, particularly among children, students, and low-income populations. “Many people in Nigeria lack access to nutrient-rich foods, and dairy is often overlooked despite its high nutritional value,” he explains. “If we can create structured interventions, similar to what we are doing in the United States, we can increase dairy consumption in Nigeria and improve health outcomes, especially among young children and adolescents.”

The research highlights the importance of nutrition education and targeted interventions. Many young people, both in the U.S. and Nigeria, are reducing dairy intake due to misconceptions, changing dietary trends, and a lack of awareness about its nutritional benefits. “One of the key findings of our research is that education plays a crucial role in food choices. If people fully understand the health benefits of dairy, they are more likely to include it in their diets,” says Adesina.

In Nigeria, where traditional diets are still prominent, there is an opportunity to incorporate dairy into familiar food patterns. “Dairy should not be seen as a foreign or luxury product,” Adesina argues. “There are ways to integrate milk, yogurt, and cheese into local meals in a culturally acceptable and affordable manner.”

The Dairy Management Inc. Grant will allow Adesina and Byrd to expand their research, implementing new strategies to make dairy more accessible in foodservice settings while continuing their advocacy for nutrition improvements worldwide.

“The solutions we are developing here at Purdue are applicable beyond the U.S.,” Adesina adds. “We are looking at behavioral patterns, accessibility, affordability, and the role of education in shaping food choices. This is exactly the kind of work that can bridge the nutrition gap in developing countries like Nigeria.”

Adesina is hopeful that this award will not only advance his research but also bring global attention to the importance of dairy in improving nutrition, particularly in countries where malnutrition remains widespread. “The stakes are high, but the impact could be life-changing,” he says. “By applying these insights to both the United States and Nigeria, we can improve public health, enhance food security, and ultimately save lives.”