Access to a healthy diet and proper nutrition is essential for the growth and development of children, strengthening the immune system, maintaining the body, and protecting against infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adult life. Proper nutrition and a healthy productive population are considered an important prerequisite for reducing poverty and economic and social development. Therefore, improving family diets and children’s nutritional status globally is essential to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger (MDG 1) and increasing it.

According to the Public Relations Department of Iran Dairy Industries Company (Pegah), more than 6 billion people worldwide consume milk and dairy products. Per capita consumption of milk and dairy products is higher in developed countries, but the gap with many developing countries is large.

Demand for milk and dairy products in developing countries is increasing with rising incomes, population growth, urbanization, and changing diets. This trend is increasing in East and Southeast Asia, especially in populous countries such as China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Unfortunately, in our country, per capita milk consumption has decreased in recent years for various reasons and has moved further away from global standards. This can be a precursor to the spread of diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer, osteoporosis, and even multiple bone fractures. Also, reduced milk consumption in society can lead to shorter stature in the new generation.

Benefits of Consuming Dairy Products:
Milk and dairy products are one of the important groups in the food pyramid, and all people in different age groups should consume at least 2 servings daily. Adolescents in puberty and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consume at least 3 servings of milk or its alternatives daily.

One serving of the milk and dairy group is equal to:
One glass of low-fat milk or yogurt (less than 1.5%), or

    45 to 60 grams of regular cheese equivalent to one and a half matchboxes, or

    A quarter glass of kashk, or                                                                    

   2 glasses of doogh, or

    One and a half glasses of pasteurized ice cream

It should be noted that the milk and dairy group in the food pyramid only includes milk, yogurt, cheese, kashk, ice cream, and doogh. Other dairy products such as cream, clotted cream, and butter, which contain fat, are not nutritionally placed in the milk and dairy group and are recommended to be consumed less.

The following examples show the daily consumption amount of the milk and dairy group that meets the needs of this group:
If during the day one glass of milk, one glass of yogurt, and one and a half matchboxes of cheese are consumed, in fact, 3 servings of the milk and dairy group have been eaten, or if two glasses of yogurt and one and a half matchboxes of cheese are consumed during the day, then 3 servings of the milk and dairy group have been consumed.

Dairy products are considered healthy and nutrient-rich foods because they provide good sources of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B12, and B2. Calcium in milk, yogurt, cheese, and kashk is significant, but most people do not receive enough calcium daily. Consuming three servings of dairy per day can help build bone mass and lead to improved bone health throughout life.

Some Important Compounds in Dairy Products:
Calcium: Milk and dairy products (yogurt, cheese, kashk, doogh, and ice cream) are considered the best food source of calcium in people’s diets. 99% of the body’s calcium is in bones and teeth, and less than 1% of the body’s calcium is involved in vital metabolic functions such as contraction and dilation of blood vessels, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signals, and hormone secretion. Therefore, daily intake of this element is very necessary to maintain normal body function. 1000 mg of calcium is needed daily, and consuming one glass of milk provides about 300 mg of calcium, and with daily consumption of three servings of this group, almost all the calcium needed by the body is supplied.

Protein: Milk and dairy products also contain protein; one 240 ml glass of milk contains about 6-7 grams of protein.

Vitamin B2: Milk is one of the good sources of B2. This vitamin is water-soluble, and its amount in 100 ml of milk is 0.17 mg. The daily requirement for this vitamin is 1.1 mg for women and 1.3 mg for men. Consuming three servings of milk and dairy per day supplies almost half of the vitamin needed by the body.

Vitamin B6: This vitamin is essential for building body proteins and is present in dairy products.

Vitamin B2: Milk is a good source for supplying vitamin B2 to the body. This vitamin is water-soluble and is present in large amounts in whey. The amount of vitamin B2 in 100 ml of milk is 0.17 mg, and its daily consumption is recommended at 1 to 2 mg.

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is one of the essential elements for the formation of red blood cells, which is found in animal tissues and milk, and pasteurization heat does not affect it. The amount of vitamin B12 in 100 ml is 0.35 micrograms.

Phosphorus: Phosphorus is one of the important compounds of body cells and plays a significant role in the body’s chemical reactions, as well as activating enzymes and vitamins, and ultimately growth, repair, and energy production. Phosphorus, along with calcium, works in the formation of bones and is involved in the construction of muscle tissues, brain, and nerves. One glass of milk contains 240 mg of phosphorus, which is equivalent to 30% of the daily requirement.

Public Relations Department of Iran Dairy Industries Company

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#Iran Dairy Industries Company