Need MILK?

BY KYM KLASS

Cow’s milk has taken some heat in recent years, with some claiming that the longstanding concept that it is a vital building block of health for growing kids. We milked a few experts for their thoughts to help you decide if milk should have a spot in children’s diets.

When exploring the idea that traditional milk is an essential part of good nutrition for kids— and foundational to a healthy diet —an area nutritionist encourages it for the abundance of vitamins it offers on top of protein and calcium. Traditional cow’s milk has been a choice beverage for families for decades and for good reason, said Sheena Gregg, a registered dietitian and board member of the Alabama Wellness Alliance, and also assistant director of Health Promotion and Wellness at The University of Alabama.

“I encourage families to incorporate cow’s milk into their child’s diet after 12 months of age due to the impressive combination of essential nutrients within one beverage while also being very cost effective,” she said. “Though most individuals may primarily associate cow’s milk as being a source of protein and calcium, it’s often not realized that milk provides phosphorus, riboflavin, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, niacin, zinc, selenium, iodine, potassium, vitamin A and fortified vitamin D.”

NUTRITION FACTS:

Main Ingredients

Dairy milk has essential nutrients that support a child’s growing body, including:

High-quality protein

Calcium (supports bone health)

Potassium (helps maintain healthy blood pressure)

Vitamin D (supports bone health and heart health)

Vitamin B12 (builds red blood cells)

Vitamin A (improves the immune system)

Phosphorus (supports bone health)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin, which converts food into energy)

Vitamin B3 (niacin, which converts food into energy)

Source: Children’s Health

Sugar Rush

For dairy milk and plant-based milk alike, parents should avoid offering children milks that are flavored, as these contain added sugars.

Daily Servings

The following daily amounts of dairy for children and teens are recommended:

Two through 3 years old: 2 cups

Four through 8 years old: 2 1/2 cups

Nine through 18 years old: 3 cups

Source: The US Department of Agriculture