Review of milk and dairy programmes affecting nutrition

This review examined milk programmes affecting nutrition in developing countries through multiple pathways. Four programme typologies were identified: dairy production and agriculture, school-based, fortified milk and milk powder and blended foods. Evidence was rated by inference level with plus signs indicating positive design features: probability (1), plausibility (2) and adequacy (3). Six of the 24 studies were rated 1, demonstrating a causal link between milk intervention and nutrition outcome. High-quality evaluations and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed. Milk programming that capitalises on its nutritional advantages, positive public perception and complementary poverty reduction strategies shows potential for improving nutrition globally.