On today’s World Milk Day, which kicks off National Dairy Month, there is something new to celebrate.
Not to worry, milk is still the wholesome, nutritious and delicious milk it’s always been, but new research examined by the FDA and a review of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine show that milk is a good source of zinc, potassium and selenium and an excellent source of iodine, in addition to the original 9 essential nutrients we knew it provided.
With these vital nutrients, milk now can claim 13 essential nutrients, something that few other single foods or beverages can compete with.
So, what do these 13 nutrients do for your body?
- Calcium helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.
- Protein helps to build and repair tissue, and maintain a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin D helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, and maintain a healthy immune system.
- Phosphorus helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, and supports tissue growth.
- Vitamin A helps to keep skin and eyes healthy, promote growth and maintain a healthy immune system.
- Riboflavin helps your body use carbohydrates, fats and protein for fuel.
- Vitamin B12 helps with normal blood function and keeping your nervous system healthy.
- Pantothenic acid helps your body use carbohydrates, fats and protein for fuel.
- Niacin is used in energy metabolism in the body.
- Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system, support normal growth and development, and maintain healthy skin.
- Selenium helps maintain a healthy immune system, regulate metabolism and protect healthy cells from damage.
- Iodine is necessary for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy, and is linked to cognitive function in childhood.
- Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and supports heart health; as well as helps to regulate body fluid balance and helps maintain normal muscle function.*
Whether lactose-free, flavored or white, now you have even more reasons to love milk!
*Source: USDA FoodData Central. FDA’s Daily Value (DV) for potassium of 4700 mg is based on a 2005 DRI recommendation. In 2019, NASEM updated the DRI to 3400 mg. Based on the 2019 DRI, a serving of milk provides 10% of the DRI. FDA rule-making is needed to update this value for the purpose of food labeling.
