Human health and nutrition

Find out more about the health and nutritional benefits of meat and dairy products, the role of meat and dairy in healthy and sustainable diets, and the latest scientific research. 

Having the right diet is a vital part of maintaining good health. This means eating a balanced variety of food and drink in the right amounts to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

The Government's Eatwell Guide makes this easy to understand by breaking the food and drinks we consume into five main categories and advising on the right amounts and proportions of each people should eat to achieve a healthy balanced diet.

Red meat, including beef, lamb, and pork, play an important role in supporting overall health and well-being.

We have published a major review of the scientific evidence about red meat and its role in supporting both healthy diets and the UK’s environmental ambitions.

The report titled 'Balancing health and sustainability: the role of red meat in the UK diet' has been co-written by independent nutritionists along with our experts on human health and the environment.

It looks at all existing evidence to provide a balanced understanding on a topic that often causes a split of opinion among experts.

Lean red meat is naturally rich in high-quality protein, and a source of essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, iron and zinc

We have also produced three guides to help you understand the nutritional and health claims regulations for red meat:

• Beef
• Lamb
• Pork

The Government currently advises keeping your intake of red and processed meat to 70g (cooked weight) or less a day, and no more than around 500g (600–700g raw weight) a week.

Dairy produce is naturally rich in protein, calcium and vitamins which are an important part of a healthy balanced diet.

Dairy and dairy-containing foods contribute many essential nutrients including protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, iodine, phosphorus and potassium.