Milk is a ready source of many essential nutrients that provide benefits for growth, sports performance and general well being for all age groups.
Cow's milk has been consumed by humans for thousands of years and remains an important component of the diet across different stages of life [1].
Milk and dairy products naturally supply a variety of important nutrients, including high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins such as vitamin A, B vitamins, making them valuable contributors to a balanced diet for both children and adults [2].
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and is fundamental for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, where the majority of the body's calcium is stored [3]. Beyond its structural role, calcium is also required for many physiological processes, including normal muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, blood clotting, hormone release, and the regulation of blood vessel function [3,4].
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient involved in numerous biological processes, including normal immune function, growth and development, reproduction, and cellular differentiation [5–7]. It also contributes to the maintenance of healthy organs such as the eyes, lungs, and heart. In addition, vitamin A plays a vital role in vision by supporting the function of rhodopsin in the retina and helping maintain the health of the cornea and conjunctival tissues [5–8].
The B-complex vitamins are essential micronutrients that participate in energy metabolism by serving as cofactors for many enzymatic reactions throughout the body. They help convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy while supporting normal cellular function. Adequate intake of B vitamins is particularly important for maintaining healthy brain and nervous system function, whereas insufficient levels may impair cellular energy production and metabolism [9].
Essential fatty acids are nutrients that the human body cannot produce on its own and therefore must be obtained through other sources. These fatty acids are important for many physiological functions and have been associated with numerous health benefits. Research suggests that adequate intake of EFAs may contribute to cardiovascular health, support normal growth and development in infants, promote healthy brain and visual function, and play a role in maintaining overall metabolic and neurological health [10].
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that contributes to both structural and metabolic functions in the body. It is a key component of phospholipids, which form cell membranes, and of adenosine triphosphate, the primary molecule responsible for storing and transferring cellular energy. Phosphorus also participates in enzyme activation, regulation of gene expression, maintenance of acid–base balance, and numerous biochemical reactions. Approximately 85% of the body's phosphorus is stored in bones and teeth, while the remaining amount is found in soft tissues and body fluids, where it supports normal physiological functions [11].
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in a wide range of biological processes. It serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes that regulate metabolism, protein synthesis, DNA production, cell growth, and tissue repair. Zinc also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and supports healthy growth and development throughout life, particularly during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. In addition, it plays an important role in maintaining normal taste perception and cellular communication [12].
