From One On One Personal Fitness trainer Aletha Nuttall

Dairy products are not only an easy source of protein.  They also offer a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.  The list includes calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus and potassium, with each serving a purpose in your diet. 

We all know that calcium is a mineral that is needed to help build strong bones, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and protects against high blood pressure to name a few of its attributes.  But what do you know about the other vitamins and minerals?  Let me give you a brief outline.

Riboflavin is a B vitamin that helps convert food into energy by aiding in metabolizing fats, carbohydrates and proteins.   Riboflavin also helps your body use calcium effectively, is required for red blood cell formation, efficient respiration, antibody production and for regulating human growth and reproduction.  It is essential for healthy skin, nails and hair. 

Potassium is just as important as Riboflavin.  In fact, if you work out it could be even more important as it assists in muscle contractions and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the cells of the body.  Potassium also plays a role in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fats and carbohydrates during metabolism.

Phosphorous is the second most abundant mineral in your body after calcium.  It is part of your DNA and RNA, which carry instruction for new cell formation.  When phosphorous attaches to the B vitamins it allows them to be more effective in energy production.