Role of dairy beverages in the diet

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 3 cups of low fat milk or equivalent daily for most calorie levels [1]. Milk provides over 10% of the requirement for calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, protein, and carbohydrates for most people. Obtaining adequate intakes of calcium, potassium, and magnesium without milk in the diet requires effort. Milk has bioactive ingredients that may play unique roles in health. Benefits of dairy consumption are associated with reduced risk of low bone mass, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers. Concerns over milk consumption have focused on saturated fats historically. More research is needed to resolve potential concerns of milk consumption and risk of several disorders including ovarian cancer and soft tissue calcification. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.