The role of milk in the British diet

Milk and foods made from milk have been part of the British diet for the last 3500 years. They constitute one of the four main food groups that together comprise a healthy balanced diet, providing significant amounts of protein and most micronutrients, including calcium, B‐group vitamins (particularly riboflavin and B12, but also thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate), vitamin A, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Milk and dairy foods can increase the nutrient density of the diet and play a pivotal role in ensuring that dietary intakes are nutritionally adequate. They can also help to improve bone and dental health and possibly protect against hypertension and colon cancer.