Sir, – Across the globe, people have been celebrating World Milk Day (June1) – and the nutritional goodness of milk and dairy foods.
We have been drinking milk for more than 11,000 years and rightly and it remains a crucial part of the British diet.
In an era of fad diets and self-styled nutrition experts, we are in real need of common sense. 
Where diet trends are usually not backed up by science or, worse still, contradictory to science, there is a wealth of research and evidence supporting the role of milk and dairy products in a healthy diet. 
Calcium, iodine and protein are all key nutrients that benefits adults, teenagers and children alike. A host of recent studies show that milk has a neutral or protective association with heart health and reducing risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research also supports milk as ‘nature’s sports drink’, with studies showing it aids muscle recovery and provides rehydration.
This is why we are proud to sign The Milk Manifesto which sets out why milk is key to healthy living. It is there for everybody, young or old.
With more than 30 countries having participated in World Milk Day, join them in raising a glass of the white stuff to celebrate the nutritional benefits of milk – a food which has kept our nation healthy for centuries.


Dr Oliver C Witard
Senior lecturer in nutrition and exercise metabolism at University of Stirling;
and
Dr Anne Mullen
director of nutrition at The Dairy Council.