Calcium is an important nutrient for bone and dental health, with dairy foods being the major source of dietary calcium in Australia. Dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are also good sources of calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin and zinc.
In terms of cancer risk, dairy foods and calcium have shown both protective and harmful effects. Overall the proven health benefits of dairy foods outweigh the unproven harms.
Dairy foods should be encouraged as part of a varied and nutritious diet as they are essential to maintain good bone and dental health. Cancer Council supports the Australian Dietary Guidelines, which encourage people to eat at least three serves of dairy foods (milk, cheese and yoghurt) each day. This position documents the evidence that supports Cancer Council’s position, as well as further information about the protective and potentially harmful effects of consuming dairy products