The Contribution of Dairy Products to Micronutrient Intake in The Netherlands

Objective: To assess the contribution of dairy products to the intake of various vitamins and minerals in several life stages in the Dutch population. Method: Data from 3 Dutch Food Consumption Surveys and the Leiden Longevity Study were used to estimate the contribution of dairy products as percentage of total intake to the intake of iron, copper, selenium, zinc, calcium, folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B-12. Results: In young children, dairy products contributed substantially to the intake of calcium (73%), selenium (21%), iron (8%), zinc (39%), copper (12%), folic acid (24%), vitamin C (18%), vitamin D (16%), and vitamin B-12 (58%). Of all dairy products, milk contributed the most to the intake of these nutrients. In adults and elderly subjects, the contribution of dairy products to total micronutrient intake was 65%-68% for calcium, 18%-19% for selenium, 3%-4% for iron, 28%-31% for zinc, 6%-7% for copper, 17%-19% for folic acid, 10%-14% for vitamin C, 11%-16% for vitamin D, and 44%-46% for vitamin B-12. Milk as well as cheese contributed the most to the intake of these nutrients. Conclusions: Dairy products are an important source of vitamins and minerals in the Dutch population. Dairy products, especially milk and cheese, contribute substantially to the intake of calcium, selenium, zinc, and vitamin B-12.