INTAKE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS IN ARGENTINA: EVOLUTION AND PRESENT SITUATION

Abstract

It is believed that animal domestication began about 6,000 years BC, which resulted in milk availability for human consumption. Nowadays, according to FAO, world milk production reaches 600,000 million liters, 84% of which comes from bovine cattle. In Argentina, after some years’ decay, milk production grew during the past 2 years and so did the intake of dairy products. About 17% of total production is destined to fluid milk and 77% to dairy products, mainly cheese, yogurt and powder milk. Per capita consumption in 2004 was about 187 equivalent liters corresponding to 40 liters/inhabitant of fluid milk and 27 kg/inhabitant of dairy products. Estimations for 2005 are about 195 equivalent liters/inhabitant; consequently, the daily intake of fluid milk and its equivalent in dairy products would reach 535 mL/day. According to these figures, calcium and vitamin D daily intakes from dairy sources are below the recommended values.