Abstract

The milk product is one of the major foods which provide calcium for nutritional requirement. In addition to calcium, it supplies diverse nutrients including protein, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin $B_1$, and vitamin $B_2$. Adequate calcium intake throughout lifetime ensures optimum bone density and prevents osteoporosis in old age by reducing loss of bone mineral during growth and aging. The nutritional deficiency of calcium intake and spreading of osteoporosis in Korean population accentuated necessity of adequate calcium intake through milk consumption. Obstruction of milk consumption due to lactose intolerance should be overcome by educational programs for adequate milk consumption and low-lactose milk product developments. Consumption of milk products was reported to prevent high blood pressure in clinical studies and epidemiological investigations. As the feeding of milk increased, the body weight and fat of animal decreased in animal studies. The epidemiological investigations revealed that there was a negative correlation between the amount of milk consumption and the body fat. When calcium was provided as dietary supplement in the clinical trials, the body weight and body fat of subjects decreased. When calcium was particularly supplied as a part of milk, the body weight reduction rate was augmented. Calcium, vitamin D, and conjugated linoleic acid have been reported to exert a role in reducing cancer. The paramount importance of milk in nutrition as a source of calcium and other invaluable nutrients emphasizes consistent supply of milk products to adults as well as adolescents by dairy industry.

Keywords

• milk;
• nutrition;
• high blood pressure;
• obesity;
• cancer