Cow's milk is a popular beverage for both children and adults in America. Milk contains vitamins, minerals, fat and protein necessary for healthy growth and development. According to California Women's, Infants & Children (WIC), there are actually four types of cow's milk; whole milk, reduced-fat (2 percent) milk, low-fat (1 percent) milk and skim, or fat-free milk. Each type varies just slightly in the nutrition it provides.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is the vitamin that most people know they can find in milk. This is because whole milk is often labeled as "vitamin D milk." According to Illinois University, milk is usually fortified with vitamin D because it helps strengthen the bones and helps you absorb calcium better. California WIC explains that whole milk, reduced-fat, low-fat and skim milk all have the same amount of vitamin D, which is 25 percent of your daily recommended intake for one 8-oz. serving.
Vitamin A
Illinois University states that vitamin A is naturally occurring in milk, in the form of retinol, although it is also added to milk in some countries. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), vitamin A is also important for healthy bones and increases the strength of the immune system while helping to protect against infections. The levels of vitamin A in cow's milk vary depending on what type of milk it is and where it was manufactured.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is naturally occurring in cow's milk, according to Illinois University, because it is associated with the fat globule of milk. Illinois University states that vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is only present in small amounts in cow's milk. Although cow's milk doesn't contain high levels of vitamin E, it can still be useful in that vitamin E protects the body against free radical damage and may even help prevent Alzheimer's disease, according to the ODS.
B Vitamins
Cow's milk has a wide variety of B vitamins, according to Illinois University, including B12 and B6. The ODS states that vitamin B12 can help reduce a person's risk of cardiovascular disease and promote good energy levels. The ODS also explains that vitamin B6 is essential to facilitate proper nerve communication to help prevent depression, headaches and even Parkinson's disease.
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