| Definitions Energy Energy is required for everyday living including all of our bodily functions — muscular activity, growth, muscle repair, concentration and fuel for everyday activity. Milk provides energy from high quality protein, slowly absorbed carbohydrate and fat. Protein Cow's milk is recognised for providing high quality protein because it contains ALL of the essential amino acids that our bodies need in the right amounts. Protein is made up of amino acids. There are more than 20 common amino acids of which 9 are essential. In humans, different combinations of amino acids can make proteins that have very specific functions in the body. Protein is needed to make hair, nails, muscles and enzymes, for example! Whey protein Cow's milk protein is made up of 80% casein and 20% whey. Did you know emerging evidence suggests that bioactive nutrients in whey protein may play an important role in the immune system? Research which gave whey protein to people after strength training found that the amino acids in why canhelp the post exercise muscle repair. 2. Carbohydrate Carbohydrates are the most important fuel source of the body. Milk contains a natural sugar, lactose, which provides approximately 30% of the energy of regular milk. Lactose may assist with calcium absorption, particularly in infants3. Lactose also has a low glycaemic index. There are small quantities of other natural sugars in milk (glucose & galactose) which also provide energy. Calcium is important to help build and maintain bones & teeth. It is also necessary for the normal functioning of nerves, heart & muscles. Dairy foods are the richest source of calcium in the Australian diet. Just three serves of dairy foods a day can help you meet your daily recommended dietary intake (RDI) for calcium. Use the Calcuim Calculator to see if you ate the calcium you need today! Vitamin A Vitamin A (also called retinol) is important for skin and eye and bone health, and for reproduction. The amount of vitamin A in milk depends on the amount of fat in the milk. Regular milk contains more vitamin A than reduced, low fat or skim milk. These vitamins are naturally found in low concentrations in milk. Vitamin D is important throughout life as it can assist calcium uptake into bone. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which can play a role in the immune system and fight free radicals. Vitamin K is necessary for the normal clotting of blood. Because these are fat soluble vitamins along with vitamin A, regular milk will contain higher levels than reduced, low fat or skim milk. Vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin) assists in releasing energy from our food so that it can be used by the body. Vitamin B3 Vitamin B3 (also called niacin) is important for skin and nerves, and the digestive system. It is also involved in energy release from food in teh body. Milk contains tryptophan — an amino acid, which can be used by the body to produce vitamin B3. Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 can help build new body proteins. Protein is important for the growth and maintenance of many parts of the body. It is needed for building healthy muscles, when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is required for healthy blood formation, nerves and DNA synthesis (in conjunction with folate). The main source of vitamin B12 in the diet is foods of animal origin, including milk. Milk can provide a significant amount of this essential nutrient. P - Phosphorus Phosphorus is important for teeth and bone structure. It plays a central role in movement of energy throughout the body. Mg - Magnesium This mineral is essential for many of the body's enzymes. These enzymes are involved in the production of protein from amino acids and play a role in the movement of energy around hte body. Magnesium is also an important bone mineral and may be beneficial for the heart. K+ - Potassium Potassium is essential for water and electrolyte balance in the body. It is needed for all cells in the body, including nerves. Adequate dietary potassium intake may also be helpful in maintaining normal blood flow. Zn - Zinc Zinc is a trace element required for many of the enzymes which are the production of DNA & protein. Zinc is also essential for the normal structure of the body tissues and the immune system. Se - Selenium Antioxidants are one of the body's defence mechanisms. Selenium acts as an antioxidant in the body, helping to protect cells in the body from free radical damage. |