For years, milk has made a significant contribution to the nutrition of growing children. Whether it’s being served with a school lunch or consumed before bedtime, milk has been known to contribute to strong bones, wholesome growth, and general nourishment of the child.
Parents often wonder if whole milk is a healthy choice for kids when they consider the different varieties of milk (skim, low-fat, and whole). There is more fat content in whole milk compared to skim or low-fat milk; this leads to many parents asking questions about their child’s potential weight gain if they drink whole milk, the risk of cardiovascular disease, and the effects whole milk will have on their child’s overall health.
Despite these concerns, many nutritional experts say that children under the age of 5 should consume dietary fats in order to support their developing brains and bodies. There is no definitive answer as to whether whole milk is “good” or “bad” for kids; the answer to this question cannot be answered in black-and-white terms.
Why Whole Milk Is Recommended for Children?
Promoting Healthy Brain Development
Brain development requires fat, and fat is the primary building block of the brain. The period of brain development takes place from the time you are born until the age of 5. Oxygen, along with fats, is essential to developing nerves during this stage of growth and developing brain function. Whole milk contains the type of fat that is needed by a child during the first five years of life.
Gaining Weight Healthy
Toddlers and small kids have large energy requirements (e.g., walking, climbing, running, playing), but their stomachs are small relative to their requirements. By providing more calories with each serving of whole milk, it helps kids to obtain their daily energy needs without eating a lot of food.
Whole milk is especially helpful for:
- Children who are picky eaters
- Children who are less than hungry
- Children who are underweight or excessively active
Full of Nutrients
Whole milk is:
- Calcium: for healthy teeth and bones
- Vitamin D: for calcium absorption
- Protein: to develop muscles
- Vitamin A: to develop your eyes and immune systems
These nutrients are necessary to develop during the early phases of growth.
Pros of Drinking Whole Milk For Kids
Promotes Healthy Bones
Calcium, along with vitamin D, is critical for building strong bones. Drinking whole milk regularly can help decrease the chances of developing weak bones and aid in developing proper bone growth.
Provides Longer Lasting Fullness
The fat content of whole milk slows down the digestive process, making children feel fuller and more satisfied. Because of this pre-fullness, it may keep children from noshing all day on sugary and processed foods.
Supports Growth
The calories, protein and fat found in whole milk support a child’s height, weight, and muscle development, especially during times of rapid growth.
Cons of Drinking Whole Milk For Kids
While there are many advantages to drinking whole milk and thus obtaining the nutrients found in it, whole milk also has some disadvantages. Drinking too much whole milk or drinking it at certain ages could be problematic.
High Saturated Fat Content
Whole milk is higher in saturated fats than other types of milk. If consumed in large quantities over time, saturated fat consumption could lead to:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Higher risk of developing coronary artery disease in later years (higher for older children and teenagers than for toddlers).
Potential for Excessive Weight Gain
If a child consumes large amounts of whole milk combined with a calorie-dense diet, that child may potentially gain excessive amounts of weight (less active children are especially susceptible to this).
