Uploaded with permission from Melissa Nickle Consumption of milk and milk products is an important component of a healthy diet. It is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products. The benefits of milk and milk products outweigh the perceived risks. If milk is avoided in a diet, careful planning and monitoring is needed to assure adequate essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium. Calcium and vitamin D adequacy is critical to bone health, especially the prevention of osteoporosis.