What nutritional component is pasteurized homogenized milk not a good source of?

Pasteurized homogenized milk is typically not a good source of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C. The primary reason is that vitamin C is sensitive to heat and can be significantly diminished during the pasteurization process. While pasteurized milk retains many of its nutritional components such as calcium, vitamin A, and folate, the content of vitamin C is relatively low, especially when compared to fresh fruits and vegetables that are known for their high vitamin C content.

In contrast, milk is celebrated for its richness in calcium, which is essential for bone health, and often fortified with vitamin A and folate, making it effective in contributing these nutrients to a balanced diet. Therefore, while pasteurized homogenized milk provides several important vitamins and minerals, it is not a reliable source of vitamin C, emphasizing the importance of a varied diet for adequate nutrient intake.