What is the composition of milk?

Cow’s milk that is commonly consumed in Ireland is generally composed of 87 % water. The majority of the remaining component includes the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Cow’s milk usually contains 3.5 % protein, 4.5-5.0 % carbohydrate (lactose) and 0.3-3.6 % fat (depending on whether it is skimmed, low-fat or whole milk).

Although there is a wide range of micronutrients also present in milk, the principal ones are riboflavin, vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, potassium, phosphorus and pantothenic acid.