Who Knew? Milk Has Four New Nutrients

Who Knew?

Milk Has Four Newly Discovered Essential Nutrients

No worries. Milk is still as healthy as it’s always been, but recent data from the USDA has shown that there are more nutrients in milk that meet the threshold to call them an “excellent source.” This information was a topic in a joint webinar by MilkPEP and global technology solutions company DMI called Powerful Ways to Talk About Milk.

So, what are these new nutrients? Drum roll, please! Zinc, selenium, iodine and potassium.

These added benefits tie in with consumers’ ever-growing interest in foods that include true health benefits to support a healthy body and immune system.

ZINC

Zinc helps maintain healthy skin, supports cell growth and is necessary for protein synthesis and production of genetic material. It’s even required for a proper sense of taste and smell. As the body has no way to naturally store zinc, daily intake – through a glass of milk, for example — is essential.

SELENIUM

Selenium is made up of more than two dozen selenoproteins that are critical in reproduction, thyroid function, DNA synthesis and protection from infection.

IODINE

Iodine boosts cognitive development, and potassium can naturally enhance performance. It is essential to healthy thyroid function, which, in turn, helps regulate the body’s metabolism. Iodine is also essential for proper fetal and infant bone and brain development.

POTASSIUM

Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and supports overall heart health, kidney function and normal muscle function, while also helping maintain the body’s central nervous system.

Every 8 oz. glass of milk provides not nine but 13 essential nutrients to help the body remain healthy and strong. While many products have tried to duplicate the outstanding benefits of milk, none have proven to be as naturally nutritious as the real thing. All in all, these help “position dairy as the power food for overall wellness,” according to the webinar.

As a result, milk is now an excellent source of these 13 essential nutrients: • Calcium • Protein • Vitamin D • Vitamin A • Riboflavin (B2) • Niacin (B3) • Cobalamin (B12) • Pantothenic Acid (B5) • Phosphorus • Zinc • Selenium • Iodine • Potassium*

*Source: USDA FoodData Central. FDA’s Daily Value (DV) for potassium of 4700 mg is based on a 2005 DRI recommendation. In 2019, NASEM updated the DRI to 3400 mg. Based on the 2019 DRI, a serving of milk provides 10% of the DRI. FDA rule-making is needed to update this value for the purpose of food labeling.