It has long been discussed which type of milk is best for health: whole or
skimmed. This debate becomes particularly tricky for many when it comes to child nutrition. In recent years, many parents have chosen to give their children skimmedmilk, thinking that the fat found in milk is harmful to their health and development.
However, this could not be further from the truth. In recent studies, doctors and nutritionists have stated that „water and whole milk should be offered as the primary beverages between one and two years of age.” So the real question is why?
First, let’s define what whole milk and skimmed milk are. Whole milk is milk that contains all of the milk’s natural fat, while skimmed milk has all of its fat removed. In other words, skimmed milk is fat-free milk, while whole milk contains 3.5-4% fat. The fat in whole milk gives it a creamier texture and a richer taste, while skimmed milk is thinner and has a blander taste.
Now, it should be known that the fat present in milk is not only fat, but it also contains vitamins A and D, which are fat-soluble. When the fat portion is removed from milk, it also loses these vitamins. Additionally, it is precisely the fat portion that provides more calories when consumed. This is positive since childhood is a time of continuous growth that requires high energy input, and these benefits are not
present in skimmed milk.
The type of fat contained in milk is saturated fat, and overconsumption of
saturated fat is associated with the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It is precisely this that makes many people afraid of it and opt for offering children skimmed milk instead. Another reason is that the rest of milk’s components, such as sugars and proteins, remain constant, which can be seen as more desirable.
This contribution of calories and the relationship with diseases in adulthood are what alarm many parents, who consider that it will cause obesity in their children. Although some associations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have reaffirmed it by giving recommendations such as „Not offering whole milk to children over two years old,” recent research seems to be changing everything. For example, a study conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto analyzed the body mass index, provided by parents, in a sample of 2,745 children. The results showed that
those children who consumed whole milk had a BMI (Body Mass Index) 0.72 points lower than those who consumed other milk and significantly higher levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a key point to understanding the importance of consuming whole milk. The deficit of this vitamin is a widespread problem in the European population, especially in those countries with fewer sunny days per year. This deficiency negatively affects the development and growth of children since optimal levels are related to better calcium absorption, which is known to be fundamental for adequate bone growth.
On the other hand, it is important to maintain a balanced diet in general and consume appropriate portion sizes so that no weight gain threatens the health of children. Therefore, while whole dairy represents an interesting nutritional contribution, it should be given to children in the most natural version possible, avoiding flavored or sugary versions, since these ultra-processed products can be responsible for weight gain, and not dairy products themselves.
Now that we know the importance of whole milk, the question is when should it be part of the feeding of children?
Regarding recommendations, small quantities can begin to be offered in the form of derivatives such as yogurt and cheese between the first 6 to 9 months of life. Already at one year old, milk, along with water, can become the main drink of the diet. From this moment, the recommendations are that children consume at least 3 servings of dairy a day, for example in the form of a glass of milk or yogurt, or as part of other dishes such as pancakes or vegetable creams. Most specialists do not consider it appropriate to give whole milk to children before the first year since the
digestive system is not yet prepared for the digestion of these proteins. Always remember to consult your doctor when making any changes in your child’s diet.
In conclusion, without a doubt, whole milk is the best option for the optimal development of children aged 1-3 years, and all experts agree. After that stage, some recommend switching to skimmed milk due to the possible risk of saturated fat in the development of cardiovascular diseases and being overweight. However, studies have shown that whole milk can have the opposite and positive effect on health. In addition to vitamin D, which is a benefit in countries with less sunshine. Therefore, whole milk in children is safe and advisable, as long as the least
processed milk is chosen.
REFERENCES
- CDC. (2022, mayo 25). Cow’s milk and milk alternatives. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/cowsmilk-and-milk-alternatives.html - Stop worrying about whole milk: Nutrition facts you need to know. (2021, julio
23). The Nourished Child.
https://thenourishedchild.com/whole-milk-nutrition-facts/ - Study: Children who drank whole milk had lower risk of being overweight or
obese compared to kids who drank reduced-fat milk. (2019, diciembre 30).
Unity Health Toronto.
https://unityhealth.to/2019/12/study-children-who-drank-whole-milk-had-lowerrisk-of-being-overweight-or-obese-compared-to-kids-who-drank-reduced-fat-m
ilk/