Nutrient-Rich Dairy May Find New Role in Functional Foods
Dairy products are nutrient-dense foods that are important to good health, according to 2005 federal dietary guidelines, which call upon Americans to consume at least three servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products a day. But new research suggests that, in some cases, being a cornerstone of the American diet is potentially just a starting point for dairy.
Researchers are probing possible synergies between dairy and probiotics, which are living microorganisms, that, when consumed in sufficient amounts, provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Other scientists are examining how to add vitamins to natural cheese for the health and nutrition of kids and adults. Still other researchers are looking at nutrient-rich milk as a delivery system for dietary supplements that people often consume in pill form, such as glucosamine and chondroitin.