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1. Nutritional importance of milk
Milk in its natural form is a highly nutritious food. It is a source of energy, calcium,
protein, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, bioactive factors, enzymes, phospholipids,
pigments and others. It is an excellent source of high quality protein for children, adults
and the elderly, supplying the essential amino acids. Milk proteins have a relative surplus
of some essential amino acids (lysine, threonine, methionine, isoleucine) that can
supplement vegetable proteins which often are limiting in those amino acids (Hurley,
Univ. of Illinois). Milk contains all the major vitamins: A, D, E and K found in the milk
fat and the B-complex group (B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin,
B6 or pyridoxine, B12 or biotin, folic acid) and Vitamin C in the aqueous phase. All 22
minerals considered to be essential to the human diet are present in milk (Goff, Univ. of
Guelph).
The important nutrients in milk are shown in Table 1 (Dairy Farmers of Ontario – Milk
Facts).
Table 1. Important Nutrients in Milk
Protein
Builds and repairs cells and body tissues, including bones and
muscle. Helps produce antibodies to fight infection in the
body. Source of energy.
Fat
Supplies energy. Transports Vitamins A, D, E and K. Source
of essential fatty acids. Needed for proper growth and
development in children.
Carbohydrate
Supplies energy. Helps in the use of fats.
Vitamin A
Maintains healthy skin so germs do not invade the body. Has
a role in vision, bone growth and reproduction.
Vitamin D
Essential for optimal calcium and phosphorus absorption
Thiamine
Important for the production of energy in body cells
Riboflavin
Keeps many tissues, such as the skin, eyes and nerves,
healthy. Releases energy within cells.
Niacin
Vital for obtaining energy in body cells.
Vitamin B6
Helps the body to use protein. Assists in the formation of red
blood cells.
Folacin
Essential for the formation of of both white and red blood
cells.
Vitamin B12
Helps in the formation of healthy red blood cells. Helps
protect nerves. Supports normal growth.
Pantothenate
Involved in the release of energy. Required for tissue
formation.
Calcium
Strengthens bones and teeth. Helps muscles (including heart)
contract. Helps transmit nerve impulses. Has a role in blood
clotting. Involved in proper hormone function.
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