[Nutritional value of dairy products and recommended daily consumption]

Objective: messages that are given recently have encouraged to reduce the consumption of dairy products, by noting them as dispensable or even harmful in relation to certain pathologies. The objective of this present work is to review the nutritional value of this group of foods and their recommended consumption. Methods: bibliographic search related to the topic. Results: dairy products provide proteins of high biological value, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as essential fatty acids, and some antioxidants, among other nutrients. Although its fat is mostly saturated (65%), it does not seem to adversely affect cardiovascular risk and may even have a slight protective effect. More than 75% of individuals have calcium intakes lower than recommended, and since more than 50% of the calcium in the diet comes from dairy products, increasing their consumption may be recommended. Moderate milk intake during pregnancy is positively associated with birth weight and length of the offspring and bone mineral content during childhood. In adults, dairy consumption it is associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, colorectal and gallbladder cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover in older people it is associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia and vertebral fractures. Conclusions: the population ignores what is the nutritional value of dairy products and their advisable consumption (2-4 servings / day). The latest studies support the need to have an adequate consumption in all stages of life due to its relationship with the prevention and control of chronic diseases. Dairy consumption is less than 2 servings / day in 37.1% of children and 42.3% of adults, so it would be desirable to improve this situation.