Across the globe, people are today celebrating World Milk Day – and the nutritional goodness of milk. We have been drinking milk for over 11,000 years and, rightly, it’s a crucial part of the British diet. In an era of fad diets and self-styled nutritionists offering ill-founded advice, we are in real need of common sense.

The science behind milk says it all. Calcium, iodine and protein are all key nutrients that benefit adults, teenagers and children alike. Milk also has a protective or neutral relationship with heart health and type 2 diabetes; and it is known as nature’s sports drink as 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’s there for everybody, young or old.

With more than 30 countries participating in World Milk Day, let’s 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 Anne Mullen Director of nutrition, Dairy Council

Professor Carolyn Summerbell Professor of nutrition, Durham University

Matt Lawson RD Dietitian for Team GB and Notts County Football Club

Richard Chessor Performance nutritionist, British Swimming

Dr Ben Green Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition

Melanie Wakeman Senior lecturer in applied physiology, Birmingham City University

Dr Oliver C Witard Senior lecturer in nutrition and exercise metabolism, University of Stirling

Kelly McCabe Head of operations, Leaders in Oncology Care

Professor Margaret Rayman Professor of nutritional medicine, University of Surrey

Dr Sue Reeves Programme convenor for nutrition and health, University of Roehampton

Dr Thomas Hill Senior lecturer in nutrition, Newcastle University

Dr Suzanne Barr Senior teaching fellow in preventive cardiology, Imperial College London

Dr Emma Cockburn Senior lecturer in sports and exercise physiology, Middlesex University

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