Experts at U.S. Dairy Nutrition Conference Explore Latest Science Optimizing Protein Quality and Intake Across Life Stages
Bangkok, Thailand, 31 July 2025 – Global health and nutrition leaders convened at the U.S. Dairy Nutrition Conference in Bangkok this month examining new frontiers in protein research along with dairy proteins’ untapped potential as a promising science-backed nutrition solution to help address Southeast Asia’s growing tide of health challenges. Hosted by the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), the conference brought together 130 experts from the region, including nutrition scientists, dietitians, public health and nutrition society delegates and other health professionals representing various sectors, including hospitals and sports nutrition. The focus: to translate the expanding body of nutrition research on dairy proteins into locally relevant and actionable strategies that support Southeast Asia’s health goals.
With Southeast Asia grappling with the ‘triple burden’ of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiency, in tandem with the rising threats of obesity, type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia, the age-related gradual decline in muscle mass and function, the conference was timely in underscoring the need for region-tailored, protein inclusive solutions. The opportunity to reassess protein consumption recommendations and dietary patterns also rose to the forefront, specifically focusing on protein quality’s importance, as well as the elevated requirements of select population segments, such as older adults and seniors.
Protein Quality Matters
A key theme throughout the conference was that not all proteins are nutritionally equal, and that many Southeast Asians may not be meeting protein needs.
“Thailand is fortunate to have a diverse range of protein sources in the diet,” said Wantanee Kriengsinyos, Ph.D., Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University. “However, the critical factor often overlooked is protein quality. With greater awareness and education on dairy protein – a complete protein with all the nine essential amino acids the body can’t produce but needs – we can help close this gap, supporting strength, mobility, and improved quality of life for our ageing population.”
As a nutritionally high-quality source of protein, dairy ingredients such as whey, milk and casein proteins consistently rank at or near the top of protein quality measures. They are also highly digestible and bioavailable, in contrast to many other non-soy, plant-based protein sources.
“People often focus on how much protein they consume, but an important overlooked question is: how much of that protein is actually usable by the body?” said Paul Moughan, Ph.D., Riddet Institute, Massey University, New Zealand. “That’s where protein quality becomes essential. Dairy proteins consistently score high on the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) – a gold standard measure of how well proteins deliver indispensable amino acids. This matters for vulnerable groups like older adults, whose protein needs are often underestimated. Ensuring access to high-quality, digestible protein is not just good nutrition — it’s a public health priority.”
Optimizing Protein Intake Across Life Stages
Protein needs shift throughout life – from fueling physical growth and cognitive development in children to enhancing body composition in adults during weight loss, as well as preserving muscle mass and function in ageing. Yet many in the region are not optimizing their protein intake, falling short in terms of quantity, quality and consumption timing.
“Muscle, for example, is far more than just for strength – it’s a metabolically active tissue essential for mobility, metabolic health, and bone maintenance,” said Daniel Moore, Ph.D., Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto. “Consuming ~0.3 grams of high-quality protein per kilogram of body weight per meal – distributed evenly across three meals a day – supports greater daily muscle protein synthesis. Animal-based, and especially dairy proteins are particularly anabolic, with research showing that repeat moderate servings of dairy protein supports daily growth in active children.”
In rapidly ageing societies, maintaining muscle is not a fitness goal, it’s fundamental to preserving independence and quality of life, according to Satoshi Fujita, Ph.D., Professor, College of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Japan.
“Research in Japan and other countries has shown that consistent intake of nutritionally high-quality protein, especially from sources rich in leucine, combined with resistance exercise, can help slow age-related muscle loss and support functional independence,” Dr. Fujita said. “Breakfasts, which typically tend to be carbohydrate heavy, offer a valuable opportunity to boost protein intake and support muscle maintenance early in the day,” he added.
Beyond Muscle: Dairy Protein Supports Metabolic Health
Emerging research presented at the conference shows that protein offers benefits well beyond muscle maintenance – including supporting glycaemic control, reducing diabetes risk, and even assisting in managing sarcopenic dysphagia, a condition marked by muscle loss and difficulty swallowing in older adults.
“It’s time we stop thinking of dairy protein as just a muscle-building nutrient,” said Kalpana Bhaskaran, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Industry Partnerships and Head, Glycemic Index Research Unit at Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. “Integrating low glycemic index (GI), protein-enriched foods into culturally familiar diets is important and an opportunity. Our preliminary research demonstrates that it is feasible to create great-tasting, Southeast Asia-friendly low-GI food options such as coconut pandan protein cookies and a black sesame protein spread using whey protein isolate that helps support blood sugar control through blunting blood sugar spikes. It’s not just about meeting nutrition targets – it’s about giving people the tools to age well and live longer, healthier lives.”
Science-Driven Solutions, Tailored for Southeast Asia
Custom consumer research conducted by USDEC in 2023 revealed that 88% of surveyed Southeast Asian respondents say they need to change their lifestyle to prepare for ageing, and 82% believe age-related health decline can be prevented. Encouragingly, over 70% say they are willing to pay more for healthier, protein-added options. This signals a strong appetite for innovation that meets both nutritional needs and local tastes.
At the heart of the conference was the U.S. Dairy Protein Innovation Showcase, where exciting, culturally relevant solutions came to life. From mocktails like the Tangy Yuzu Proteina Colada and Thai coconut pancakes, both fortified with U.S. whey protein, to comparative displays of protein quality, and ready-to-scale, dairy protein-added product concepts, the showcase underscored one message: good science can translate into great food – and better public health.
“We’re not here just to present science, we’re here to partner,” said Dali Ghazalay, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, at the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). “Whether it’s working with Southeast Asian nutrition scientists or food and beverage innovators, our goal is to harness nutrition research for real-world solutions that help people live longer, healthier lives – one meal at a time.”
Media: Conference Images At This Link
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About U.S. Dairy Export Council
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a non-profit, independent membership organization of U.S. dairy farmers, processors, allies and traders propelling U.S. dairy solutions to nourish global communities. Together with in-market representatives, USDEC helps expand customers’ ability to successfully tap into U.S. Dairy’s sustainable nutrition with demand-driving marketing, insights and innovation resources. Through its Singaporean-based subsidiary USDEC Singapore Ltd and representative network across the ASEAN region and globe, the Council works directly with buyers and end-users to accelerate customer purchasing and innovation success with quality U.S. dairy products and ingredients. It also shares science-backed information on the health and nutritional benefits U.S. dairy delivers.