Milk is an important part of growing children. But it is often overrated. It is an important source of calcium, proteins, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.
Contrary to common belief milk is not a good source of vitamin D3 unless it is fortified with it.
For children below 2 years, breast milk is best. For infants, exclusive breastfeeding is ideal for their optimal growth till 6 months of age. If you want to give top feeds below 1 year, then you can give formula feeds. If you are giving cow’s milk to kids 1 to 2 years, it should be full-cream milk. No skimmed or reduced fat milk below 2 years. It is important for their growth and development.
For children above 1 year, complete meals should be given 3meals and 2 snacks.
The ideal milk requirement for children 1 to 6 years is 350 to 450ml per day, which includes milk and milk products like paneer, cheese, curd, yogurt, shakes, etc.
Problems with too less milk consumption
These we all know. Low calcium – but calcium is present in many other foods like green vegetables, nuts, tofu, beans etc.
Problems with too much milk consumption
Milk is low in iron, so too much milk leads to iron deficiency. Cow’s milk has calcium and casein which inhibits the absorption of iron from other foods, further increasing the probability of iron deficiency. Milk provides energy, so the child does not eat other foods and is deprived of other micronutrients. High protein intake from cow’s milk also place an infant at increased risk of obesity in later childhood or adolescence. nfant atincreased risk of obesity in later childhood or adolescence.