THE ROLE OF GROWING UP MILK FOR CHILDREN

Toddlers, or children aged between one and three years of age, are embarking on a busy and exciting stage in their life, as this is when they begin to explore life independently. During this time, they learn eating behaviors and develop their skills, knowledge and attitudes relating to food.1


During this stage of life, it is important for children to be taught healthy eating habits. A healthy diet provides the necessary energy and nutrients for growth and development. It also helps children develop a sense of taste as well as the acceptance and enjoyment of different foods.2

According to the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents, milk is recommended as part of a healthy diet as it provides essential nutrients such as protein and calcium.3
Parents should be aware that milk comes in different forms. For example, whole milk or full cream milk contains all its original fat content, which children need. In contrast, skimmed milk has less fat hence it contains fewer calories. Skimmed milk also contains lower levels of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A so it's not advisable for children unless recommended by a doctor.4

Also available are fortified milk powder formulas for children, which are also known as 'growing up milk', for children above one year of age. Growing up milk is specially formulated to help meet the nutrient needs of toddlers by offering a balanced diet for young children. While cow's milk is high in protein and low in vitamins and minerals, growing up milk has a lower level of protein and sodium to provide more balanced nutrition. These formulas also nurture the specific needs of a toddler with fortified content such as vitamin C and D, iron and zinc.5

As a result, growing up milk formulas offers children varied benefits by:


Providing balanced nutrition not just for the present but also for the future.

Growing up milk contains lower levels of protein, providing 36% of the recommended daily intake as compared to cow's milk which contains 83% of the recommended daily intake.6 Consuming too much protein is linked to a higher risk for obesity later in life; to help reduce this risk, growing up milk contains lower levels of protein.7,8

Preventing iron deficiency and anaemia,

which affects three out of ten children in Malaysia.9 Lack of iron can affect motor and mental development5,6,7 and increase the risk for infectious diseases8,14,15. Growing up milk helps to provide toddlers with up to 53% of the recommended daily intake of iron. In contrast, cow's milk only provides 2% of the recommended daily intake.6

Supporting a healthy digestive environment with prebiotics and probiotics.

This promotes the growth of healthy bacteria to help prevent common digestive troubles such as constipation and diarrhoea. It also helps to reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. In addition, a healthy digestive system also absorbs nutrients more effectively and helps support the immune system,16 resulting in fewer infections.17

Of course, growing up milk does not replace the need for children to consume a variety of foods daily, which includes carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes, protein such as fish, meat and poultry as well as fruits, vegetables and dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt. A balanced diet, together with lots of water and physical activity, is essential for the healthy growth and development of children.3 However, growing up milk is an acceptable solution to fill the nutritional gaps in a child's diet.5

Originally Shared on :https://www.mamil.com.my/en/readingcorner-milk-for-children.php

Location: Malaysia

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