Milk  is  one  of  the  most  important  food  commodities  in  the  world  and  its

consumption  has

grown,

particularly  in  developing  countries  which  have  exp

erienced  strong  economic  growth

and  urbanization  in  recent  decades.

As  a  substantial  source  of  several  nutrients  such  as  pr

oteins,  enzymes,  fats,  vitamins  and  essential  elements  (also  known  as  minerals),  mi

lk  plays

a  key  role  during  all  phases  of  human  life.  Rapid  growth  during  infancy  and  early  childhoo

d  creates  high  demand  for  the  nutrients  that  milk  provides.  This  development  phase  requir

es  a  balanced  amount  of  different  elements,  as  mineral  deficiencies

may  impair  body  devel

opment  whilst  excessive  mineral  intake  may  increase  the  osmotic  load  and  cause  complicati

ons  in  the  developing  kidneys  of  a  child.

Essential  elements  such  as  Ca,  K,  Mg,  Na  and  P

have  several  physiological  functions  in  the  tissue  struct

ure  of  humans  and  other  animals,  su

ch  as  maintaining  osmotic/electrolyte  balance,  and  acting  as  a  cofactor  for  many  enzymes.

Deficiencies  in  these  essenti

al  elements  causes  disturbances