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Components of Milk and Dairy Products

People are increasingly interested in understanding what is in the products they consume, and knowing the health effects of those products. Milk contains more than 100 substances, making it a very complex substance. The combination of these ingredients provides nutrition for energy, strong bones, and immunity.

  1. Water

    • Milk is approximately 90 percent water. The amount of water produced by the animal is regulated by the amount synthesized in its mammary glands. Water has no nutritional value but provides benefits to the body, which include helping blood flow, transporting nutrients and waste, lubricating joints and regulating body temperature.

    Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for humans, and the principal component of carbohydrates is lactose, a sugar. Lactose is a disacharide made up of glucose and galactose. The body has the enzyme lactase in the small intestine; those without this enzyme are lactose-intolerant. Milk contains about 5 percent lactose, and varying amounts of lactose exist in other dairy products such as cheese based on the fermentation process.

    Proteins

    • Proteins are made from amino acids, the building blocks of the body. Something is considered a complete protein if it contains nine essential amino acids. Milk and other dairy products contain approximately 3 percent protein, which varies based on the breed of cow and feeding practices -- the more fat in the diet, the higher the protein content. The two main proteins in dairy are casein and whey.

    Fats

    • Milk and dairy products contain about 3.5 percent to 6 percent fat. This is 65 percent saturated fat, 29 percent monounsaturated fat and 6 percent polyunsaturated fat. Fat is the main storage form for excess energy in the body; fat holds the reserves until needed, such as when exercising for more than 90 minutes. Too much fat can increase a person's cholesterol.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    • Milk contains vitamins A, D, C, E, K and B1, B2, B6 and B12. Some vitamins occur naturally in milk; others are added during processing. One 8 oz. glass of milk contains about 50 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps maintain blood calcium and phosphorus balance and assists in calcium metabolism.

      Minerals in dairy products include calcium, iron, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium and magnesium. One 8 oz. glass of milk provides 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of calcium. It is the best source of nutrition for growing and maintaining bones and muscles.

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