Researchers have uncovered exactly how we digest milk - and say it could be used as a superdrink, Daily Mail reports.

The breakthrough lead to the development of new formulas for premature babies, weight loss drinks and potentially new drug delivery systems.

The research is the first time it has been known exactly how milk is digested.

'By unlocking the detailed structure of milk we have the potential to create milk loaded with fat soluble vitamins and brain building molecules for premature babies, or a drink that slows digestion so people feel fuller for longer,'  said Dr Stefan Salentinig, who led the research.

'We could even harness milk’s ability as a ‘carrier’ to develop new forms of drug delivery.'

The team looked at the nanostructure of milk to find out how its components interact with the human digestive system.

They discovered milk has a highly geometrically ordered structure when being digested.

Dr Salentinig said the research provides a blueprint for the development of new milk products. It could also lead to a new system for drug delivery.

'These small and highly organised components enable fats, vitamins and lipid-soluble drugs to cross cell membranes and get into the circulatory system,' Dr Salentinig said.