Honestly, I love milk! There, I’ve said it. But, I will not let my biased predilection affect what I’m going to talk about today, which is – “is milk really that important for growing kids?” is it time for us to stop freaking out about how much milk we’re feeding them?!
I’ve noticed a pattern in the way people are referencing milk these days – they’re either denouncing it, calling it a health hazard or going over the moon explaining how beneficial it is! Be that as it may, there is a definite uptick in the conversation surrounding this drink, so here’s my two cents on it!
How important is milk for kids? Do they really need it?
Yes and no. In the first few months, all the nutrition a baby needs comes from either breastmilk or formula. However, in the formative years, your child needs his share of vitamin D and calcium – both of which are super important for building bones! Milk also contains a considerable amount of potassium and protein, so, all in all, it makes for a decent source of nutrition for your kid. But, if he’s not too fond of milk, you can always supplement these nutrients through alternatives such as rice milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Is skim milk harmful for kids?
Absolutely not! Whole and skim milk are both excellent sources of vitamin D and calcium, however, some pediatricians recommend skimmed or low-fat milk for children above 2 years of age. It’s always a good idea to check with your child’s pediatrician to understand what his dietary requirements are. Just go with what your little monster prefers, you’ll be fine!
Is it possible you’re overfeeding the drink to your child?
Yes, this is especially the case with toddlers, who can run low on iron if they consume too much milk! Milk lacks iron (significantly so!), hence, stick to 2 servings of milk in a day and make sure your kid is eating a well-balanced diet.
Are non-dairy kinds of milk suitable for children?
Yes, although not as a baby formula alternative. Rice and almond milk both contain just one gram of protein, as compared to eight grams in cow’s milk! The key to choosing non-dairy milk is ensuring that it is loaded with Calcium and vitamin D.
So what are these ingredients, and how do they nourish a child?
Protein: The protein found in milk is of 2 types: 80 percent is insoluble milk-protein called casein and 20 percent is soluble ones called whey-protein. Both the types are rich in essential amino-acids and are easy to digest. While casein helps in absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the food consumed, whey-protein help in building muscle or sustaining lean-muscle.
Calcium: As everyone is aware, calcium is required for good bone and teeth health at any age. It reduces the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Children who do not drink cow’s milk and also do not make up for this by calcium from other sources are at increased risk of bone fractures in childhood and adolescence. According to various sources, young children should consume 800 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day, adolescents – 1300 mg, adults – 1000 mg and adults over 51 years of age – 1200 mg. It is difficult to meet this target unless milk is a part of the daily diet.
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