The famous nutrients of milk

Drink up the goodness. 

We have it drilled into us from day dot; “drink your milk”. And with good reason. Milk is packed full of nutrients, but the most talked-about are certainly protein and calcium. 

Protein

We need protein, and milk does a great job of providing it. 

Protein is one of the all-important nutrients required for the growth and repair of our cells and tissues, and gives structure to enzymes and hormones (EUFIC. 2019). 

Milk protein is made up of 80% casein, and 20% whey (Davoodi, S.H. et al. 2016), these proteins have their own specific benefits. For example, they have been shown to have protective qualities against certain cancers and positive impacts on dental health by reducing dental caries (Davoodi, S.H. et al. 2016). There is also evidence that milk proteins can indirectly improve metabolic health by promoting a favourable body composition (McGregor, R.A. and Doppitt, S.D. 2013). 

The protein in milk is also complete, which means it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids that we have to obtain in our diet because our bodies cannot make them (Davoodi, S.H. et al. 2016). The high quality of this protein makes it an excellent source for vegetarians to hit all their amino acids. 

Animal products contain a full house of essential amino acids. However, plants often miss at least one. Plant milks have different amino acid profiles, often not matching up to the high quality of cow’s milk through lacking certain essential amino acids (McClements, D.J. et al. 2019). Whereas Real Deal Milk milk will contain all the same proteins as cow’s milk, achieving the high-quality protein status and copying the nutritional functionality. 

Calcium 

Calcium in milk attracts plenty of attention. 

Calcium plays a significant role throughout our lives in supporting the growth and strength of bones and teeth, regulating muscle contractions and ensuring normal blood clotting (NHS. 2020). 

The importance of calcium shoots up during certain stages of our life, particularly childhood. This is because, as a child, you’re constantly growing, which exacerbates the necessity of consuming enough calcium to support this growth. Calcium deficiency during this time can result in rickets, causing weak and deformed bones and affecting a child’s development (NHS. 2020). 

Later on in life, past the age of 65, the increased significance of calcium rises again. This is the age from which the body absorbs less calcium and loses bone at a quicker rate (EUFIC. 2021). Therefore, enough needs to be consumed to avoid osteomalacia, which causes fragile bones and muscle weakness, thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis (NHS. 2020). 

To meet our required intake of calcium, dairy products provide the primary source in Europe (EFSA. 2015). 125g of yogurt will give you 21% of your calcium DRV*, and 35g of Emmental cheese will provide 37% of your DRV*, therefore becoming the clear go-to food for this micronutrient.

Some plant milks are fortified with calcium; some aren’t. Real Deal Milk will be providing calcium not just in milk but through a plethora of dairy products, so we can continue to rely on dairy for this micronutrient.

The nutritional qualities of milk are clear. Therefore, Real Deal Milk empowers dairy to maintain its trusted position as a high quality and popular source of protein and calcium, whilst we adjust our diet to avoid cows.

*DRV (daily reference value) for calcium is between 950-1000mg per day (EUFIC. 2021). 

References

Davoodi, S. H. et al. 2016. Health-related aspects of milk proteins. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 15(3), pp 573-591. 

EFSA. 2015. Dietary reference values: calcium and iron. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/150527-0 

EUFIC. 2019. What are proteins and what is their function in the body. https://www.eufic.org/en/whats-in-food/article/what-are-proteins-and-what-is-their-function-in-the-body 

EUFIC. 2021. Calcium: foods, functions, how much do you need & more.  https://www.eufic.org/en/vitamins-and-minerals/article/calcium-foods-functions-how-much-do-you-need-more 

McClements, D.J. et al. 2019. Plant-based milks: a review of the science underpinning their design, fabrication, and performance. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 18(6). https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12505 

McGregor, R.A. and Doppitt, S.D. 2013. Milk protein for improved metabolic health: a review of the evidence. Nutrition and metabolism, 10(46). https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-10-46 

NHS. 2020. Calcium. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium/