Table 1 Milk composition and percent contribution to the daily dietary reference intakes of some nutrients in 0.5 l whole milk, and their main health effects

Fat

33 g/l

Energy rich

Saturated fatty acids

19 g/l

Increase HDL, small dense LDL, and total cholesterol. Inhibition of bacteria, virus

Oleic acid

8 g/l

Prevent CHD, gives stable membranes

Lauric acid

0,8 g/l

Antiviral and antibacterial

Myrisitc acid

3,0 g/l

Increase LDL and HDL

Palmitic acid

8 g/l

Increase LDL and HDL

Linoleic acid

1,2 g/l

Omega-6 fatty acid

Alpha linolenic a

0,75 g/l

Omega-3 fatty acid

Protein

32 g/l

30–40%

Essential amino acids, bioactive proteins, peptides. Enhanced bioavailability

Lactose

53 g/l

Lactosylation products

Calcium

1,1 g/l

40–50%

Bones, teeth, blood pressure, weight control

Magnesium

100 mg/l

12–16%

For elderly, asthma treatment

Zinc

4 mg/l

18–25%

Immune function. Gene expression

Selenium

37 ug/l

30%

Cancer, allergy, CHD

Vitamin E

0,6 mg/l

2 %

Antoixidant

Vitamin A

280 ug/l

15–20%

Vision, cell differentiation

Folate

50 ug/l

6 %

DNA synthesis, cell division, amino acid metabolism

Riboflavin

1,83 mg/l

60–80%

Prevent ariboflavinosis

Vitamin B₁₂

4,4 ug/l

90%

Key role in folate metabolism