In this interview Ivana Gandolfi (international Diary Federation) describes the emerging concept of the food matrix, which helps explain how foods affect human health beyond the action of individual nutrients. The food matrix refers to the complex structure of a food product, including its components, the way they interact with one another, and the final physical and biochemical organization that influences digestion, absorption and nutrient bioaccessibility.

Dairy products are presented as a clear example of the matrix effect. Regular milk consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, while yogurt consumption has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Cheese, when consumed according to recommended portion sizes and frequency, does not appear to be associated with increased blood pressure. Overall, the interview highlights that the health effects of foods cannot always be explained by single nutrients alone, but should be interpreted through the broader concept of the food matrix.