A nutritionist explains: Is it worth giving children dairy products?

Cow’s milk has accompanied Israeli childhood for generations and is considered a symbol of growth and health: when the child asks for chocolate, the grandmother asks if he is consuming enough milk, or when in the garden they distribute white cheese on a slice of bread at ten. But in recent years, more and more parents are wondering if it is really necessary.

Well – as always in nutrition, the answer is not black or white.

Cow’s milk is a nutrient dense food. It contains high-quality protein with high biological value, available calcium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, potassium and sometimes also vitamin D (in fortified products). During childhood, a phase of accelerated growth and building bone mass, these components are particularly significant.

According to the -Dietary Reference Intakes DRI tables the recommended intake of protein is approximately 13 grams per day for ages 1-3, approximately 19 grams for ages 4-8 and approximately 34 grams for children 13-9. One glass of milk provides about 8 grams of high-quality protein – a significant contribution to daily consumption. Sufficient calcium intake at this age affects bone density and skeletal health later in life. Dairy products are one of the main and most available sources of calcium in children’s nutrition.

At what age can milk be given?

The professional guidance is clear: You should avoid giving cow’s milk As a main drink before the age of one year. This is an established medical recommendation and the reasons for this are physiological:

Protein and mineral load – Cow’s milk contains a relatively high concentration of protein, sodium and other minerals. The kidneys of babies in the first year of life are not yet fully mature, and this load is not adjusted to their age.

Inappropriate nutritional composition – Cow’s milk is low in iron and does not contain the fatty and immune composition present in breast milk or infant formula. It is simply not adapted to the unique needs of babies.

Chance of iron-deficiency anemia – regular consumption of cow’s milk before the age of one can damage the iron balance and even reduce eating iron-rich foods, because milk is satisfying.

However, it is important to be precise: a small taste of a dairy product as part of exposure to complementary foods is not equivalent to regular use of milk as a bottled drink. The avoidance refers to liquid milk as a substitute for formula or breast milk.

After the age of one year you can combine dairy products – milk as part of a varied and balanced menu.

How many servings of milk are considered good and balanced?

Most guidelines talk about two to three servings of dairy products a day during childhood. A portion can be a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt or a slice of hard cheese.

The balance here is especially important. Moderate consumption contributes to calcium, protein and vitamins from the B group. On the other hand, very high consumption, for example a liter of milk a day in early childhood, may come at the expense of other foods and increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia. itemtype=”https://schema.org/ImageObject” class=”ArticleImage_root__7IVZw ArticleImage_mako__N7wyt innerArticleImage”>

Photo: Michael Giladi, flash90

And what about fat and heart health?

Dairy products contain saturated fat, and nowadays it is known that a high consumption of fat Satiety is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk throughout life. In healthy and active children it is not necessary to completely avoid regular dairy products, but in children with excess weight, a significant family history of heart disease or a borderline lipid profile, a preference for low-fat products can be considered as part of an overall nutritional perspective. and healthy fats. Milk alone does not determine the child’s health, but the overall composition of the menu.

Who is not suitable for milk?

There are situations in which you should avoid or adjust:

1. An allergy to cow’s milk protein requires complete avoidance according to medical guidance.

2. Lactose intolerance can sometimes be satisfied with low-lactose products or yogurt.

3. A vegan diet requires careful planning of calcium and vitamin B12 sources.
4. Specific medical conditions that require customization.

So do we need milk?

No. It is possible to build a balanced menu even without milk, but this requires conscious planning of alternative sources of calcium, protein and vitamin 12B On the other hand, when it comes to a healthy child without sensitivity there is no reason to avoid milk if it is included in a varied diet. Milk is not a biological necessity, but it can be a convenient and available part of a balanced menu.

In the end, the important question is not whether the child drinks milk but whether he eats a variety of foods, grows according to the curves and develops properly. and a glass of milk? She can be part of the picture. Not all.