Overview: the food matrix and its role in the diet

The food matrix which includes the physiochemical structure and interaction with chemical constituents is a focus of investigation that is revealing potentially important influences on diet and health. This paper, the first in an article collection titled, The Important Role of the Dairy Matrix in Diet and Health, serves as an introduction to the food matrix to put into context the subsequent articles specific to the matrix effects of dairy milk, cheese and yogurt on human health. This introductory article describes the effects of processing on the food matrix and implications for diet and health, examines the contribution of nutrients compared to whole foods and food patterns, and characterizes examples of the complexity of the food matrix including current controversies of dairy fat and ultra-processed foods. The gaps in knowledge and research identified in this overview may help guide researchers and funding entities moving forward. Current knowledge indicates that translating research on the food matrix to the consumer through recommendations for the intake of whole foods and food patterns is prudent at this time.