Dairy products should be one of the main elements in our nutrition. When speaking of such products we mean all food products that contain milk and that milk is the principal ingredient.


In early 2005 the FDA released new guidelines for healthy nutrition. According to these it is recommended to consume at least three servings of such products a day, as a part of a healthy balanced diet.


This recommendation made a significant increasing over the previously recommended amount and referred to these products as a nutritional asset that could improve nutrition in general and moreover help in preventing diseases.

 
Dairy products is a "health package" of calcium and other essential nutritional elements such as protein, B group vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, potassium and phosphorous which are extremely important for good health and wellbeing.


Recent studies show that in addition to building stronger bones and the prevention of bone diseases and fragments, consumption of three of rich in calcium dairy products a day also helps in weight control and preventing obesity in advanced-age populations (65 and on).


According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Scientists Diary Reference Intake (DRI's) the daily recommended calcium portion for people older than 50 is 1,200 milligram which equals 5 cups of milk (total fl. oz 40.5).

   
Low-fat these products, as part of a balanced diet, are part of the modern approach for the prevention as well as treatment of hypertension (DASH Diet). Calcium absorption from milk products is the most efficient in terms availability. Adequate consumption of calcium is an important factor in reducing chronic diseases frequentness (e.g. osteoporosis).


Milk and its products, like cheese and yogurt, are a major source for calcium, because of their high calcium content and high calcium availability, i.e. the high percentage of calcium absorption from dairy products.


Some adults may experience problems with milk digestion, even if they never faced these problems at a younger age. This is because they lost, completely or partially, the capacity of the Lactase enzyme (LCT) which is essential for digestive hydrolysis of milk lactose ("milk sugar"). Such cases might cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea.


There are certain recommendations to these people:


-    Trying to consume milk products as part of a whole meal: food mix may cause a
      slower release of lactose and make it easier to digest.

-    Trying smaller portions more frequently during the day.

-    Select calcium-rich dairy which naturally contain low lactose such as undergoing
      maturing process cheese (e.g. Swiss, Parmesan or Cheddar cheese).
      
-    Use of tofu or soy based products which are rich in calcium.

-    Ask for low-lactose milk

-    Use LCT table after consulting your doctor
 
-    Use of nutrition supplements