An updated review of the health benefits of dairy foods has recently been released, and experts have weighed in on the issue in a supplement to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Dairy foods under consideration include milk, cheese and yogurt, and the scientists say together they provide a full package of nine essential nutrients, including vitamin D and calcium. They also recommend three to four daily servings of dairy foods.

The experts divide their benefits into five categories: child nutrition, bone health, cardiovascular health, weight and shortfall nutrients.

For children and adolescents aged between 9-18, dairy foods help meet calcium and magnesium recommendations.

With regards to cardiovascular health, evidence shows that low-fat and fat-free dairy foods play a key role in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which helps reduce blood pressure. Moreover, these types of foods may favorably impact body composition and weight maintenance.

Finally, dairy foods play a key role in providing the nutrients studies have consistently shown Americans do not consume enough such as calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Those who are concerned about their intake of these microelements may choose nutritional supplements to complement their diet.