We’re committed to creating delicious products so you can enjoy dairy as part of a healthy and balanced diet, from the milk on your cereal to cheese in sandwiches or yogurts in your lunch.

Why is milk recommended as part of a healthy diet?

Milk can be a source of nutrition in a person’s diet as it contains protein and calcium, which contribute to the maintenance of muscles and normal bones, as well as vitamins like B2 and B12, and potassium, which all have important functions in the body.

These nutrients found in milk and other foods play important roles in healthy eating for every life stage, from young children to adults, meaning dairy can be a useful part of your diet no matter your age.

Other dairy products in our diet

Milk is also used to create all sorts of dairy products, such as cheeses and yogurts, providing lots of ways to get dairy in your diet. You can also get different types of dairy products, such as low fat or lactose free, helping to make milk and dairy work for your specific diet or dietary needs.

However, while dairy products like cheese and yogurt also contain protein and calcium, they don’t all have the same nutrient content in the same amounts as found in milk. Checking the labels can tell you the nutritional content found in other dairy products so you can figure out what you need in order to have a balanced, varied diet.

What are the health benefits of milk?

Including cow’s milk as part of your diet can be good for you, as it naturally provides nutrients that contribute to the maintenance and functions of our bodies. These include:

• Milk is a source of protein, supporting muscle growth and maintenance of normal bones
• Milk is a source of calcium, needed for the maintenance of normal teeth and bones, and needed for normal growth and development of bone in children
• Milk is a source of B2 (riboflavin), which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Milk is a source of B12, that helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue as well as contributing to the normal function of the immune system
• Milk is a source of potassium, contributing to normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal blood pressure
• Milk is a source of iodine, which contributes to normal cognitive functions
• Milk is a source of phosphorus, providing a contribution to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, as well as normal growth and bone development in children

This range of vitamins and minerals are what can make milk a worthwhile part of a person’s diet, especially in younger children where milk can form a larger part of what they eat.

Which proteins are present in milk?

When looking to get protein into your diet, there are many different sources which you can get it from. The specific types of protein found in milk are casein proteins and whey proteins. In raw milk the protein is composed of 80% casein and 20% whey. Both casein and whey proteins can be found in protein powders derived from milk and other protein enriched products aimed to increase the amount of protein within your diet, like those found within our Arla Protein range.

FAQs

How much milk should you drink in a day?

The amount of milk or other dairy products that can fulfil some of your dietary needs will depend a lot on your age, as we all need slightly different levels of nutrients in order for our bodies to maintain their normal processes. Younger children from the age of one will receive a higher percentage of their daily calcium intake from 250ml of cow’s milk when compared to teenagers and adults.

It’s important to always read the label and work out what the right level of milk and dairy products for your body so you get all the nutrients you need. For more information on working out how much milk is right for you, click here.

Is it good to drink milk every day?

Milk plays a role in providing your body with many of the nutrients it needs on a day-to-day basis, such as proteins, vitamins and minerals. While it isn’t necessary to drink milk every day, it does give you an effective way to get a wide range of nutrients from a single source.

Do the nutrients in milk actually help your bones?

Yes – milk is a natural source of calcium, protein and phosphorus, all three of which contribute to your body’s maintenance of normal bones and keeps them in normal condition. So, by drinking milk as part of your wider diet, the nutrients within it are helping your bones.