Experts underline the benefits of milk for sports people

The benefits of dairy in the recovery of exercise were highlighted yesterday by several experts at an international conference hosted by The Dairy Council in London.

The event examined the science behind the potential benefits of milk for sportsmen and women.

Speakers included Dr Brian Roy, Director of the Centre for Muscle Metabolism & Biophysics at Brock University, Ontario, Canada, who reviewed the evidence supporting Milk as a sports drink.

Leading world exercise physiologist Dr Michael Saunders of James Maddison University, Virginia, USA, informed the conference of the role that flavoured milk can play in post-exercise recovery, calling it a “unique beverage.”

Dr Tom Hill of Newcastle University, renowned author and nutritionist who has worked with many elite athletes, used case studies of prominent athletes to show what role milk can play in training and diet regimes.

Olympian Liam Phillips, champion BMX racer and face of The Dairy Council’s “Milk in Action” campaign, was one of these studies. He has held 10 consecutive British Championship titles, and is focusing on qualifying for London 2012.

Dietician Jeanette Crosland spoke about applying the science on milk and sport to the diets of disabled athletes.

Dr Judith Bryans, Director of The Dairy Council, said: “The speakers at the conference yesterday underlined the growing body of scientific research which is highlighting the potential nutritional benefits of milk as a sports drink, particularly in post-exercise recovery, which further adds to the known benefits of dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle.”

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