University reviewing study touting company’s chocolate milk

NEW YORK (AP) — A study by the University of Maryland touting the benefits of a small company’s chocolate milk is raising concerns about the potential conflicts-of-interest that can arise when food makers collaborate with schools on such efforts.

Late last month, the university fired off a press release declaring that a preliminary study showed that Fifth Quarter Fresh’s milk helped improve the cognitive and motor functions of high school football players, even after suffering concussions. The announcement raised red flags because the details of the full study were not made available.

The focus on a specific product also seemed to underscore the problems that can arise with research involving commercial entities. Although collaborations with food and beverage makers are not unusual in the academic world, some health advocates say they come with inherent conflicts-of-interest that can contribute to public confusion about nutrition.

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