Benefits & Research Explore the health benefits of dairy foods, including their role in lowering the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes.

Dairy foods are nutrient-rich and provide nine essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D, B12, riboflavin and niacin. In fact, milk and other dairy foods provide 72 percent of the calcium available in the U.S. food supply, making them a crucial component of a healthy diet.

The Southeast Dairy Association offers resources and fact sheets explaining the health benefits of dairy.