Functional dairy products have been the focus of intense research and product development over the last two decades. At last, this valuable information has been compiled into one resource that reveals key advances in functional dairy ingredients and products and identifies directions for marketing and product development. Handbook of Functional Dairy Products explores the product development process and the market dynamics driving product innovation. Chapters examine specific ingredients and products, safety and technology issues, the impact of biotechnology, the regulatory environment, and the communication of health benefits. Emphasis is placed on the potential contribution of functional dairy products in the maintenance of health and prevention of disease, and includes in-depth discussions of the selection, production, and benefits of probiotics, dairy-derived carbohydrates and prebiotics, bioactive peptides, the immune modulating effects of dairy ingredients, the health effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and calcium and iron fortification.With a wealth of new research findings and insightful guidance for food product developers, this comprehensive reference is a must for everyone involved in the science, development, and marketing of functional dairy products.