Do Kids Really Need To Drink Milk?
We’ve all been repeatedly told about the great many benefits of drinking cow’s milk. You’ll often hear strong bones, calcium, and milk being used in the same sentence. And if you are from this century, which we are sure you are, then you’ve probably been hearing them since your childhood! All milk advertisements somehow always have a bunch of healthy and happy kids sipping on a glass of milk without complaining. But, our question is—just because it is popular and widely accepted, does it mean that it is right? Do kids really need to drink cow’s milk?
Dr. Natalie Gentile, Kristine Penza, and Kayla Allen, who worked on a myth-busting feature on Mayo Clinic, suggest otherwise (1). Contrary to the idea that cow’s milk is essential for strong bones, the doctors note that most of us (including kids) get more calcium than needed to have healthy bones. Additionally, apart from supporting bone growth during early childhood, there is no proof that drinking cow’s milk reduces the risk of bone fractures. On the other hand, drinking too much cow’s milk can cause adverse effects such as anemia, obesity due to the saturated fat in the milk, and intolerance (2). Also, despite being a well-recognized source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, there are several other food sources other than milk consumed by households regularly that provide the same (if not more) amount of nutrients on a daily basis. All of these facts collectively make the case for milk super weak.
To help you reach an informed decision about the role of cow’s milk in your child’s diet, we have listed the advantages and disadvantages of drinking milk below:
Advantages
There is no denying that cow’s milk is a good source of calcium. During the peek of a child’s growth, it helps in growing strong bones. It is also a rich source of protein and calories, which are essential for kids who are growing. Milk is known to be fortified with vitamin D, which is otherwise hard to find in non-meat based food products (3). It is otherwise found in beef liver, egg yolks, and fatty fish—which are not only hard to convince your child to eat but also go beyond the boundaries of a sustainable diet. Further, the lack of vitamin D in a child’s body can cause muscle and nerve ailments, leading to excessive tiredness.
Since it is easily accessible and full of nutrients, milk proves useful in overcoming malnutrition among children in developing countries. It also comes in handy when dealing with children who are picky eaters and consequently cause a calorie deficit due to their poor eating habits. Milk comes as a nutrient-rich vehicle to deliver protein, calcium, and vitamin D to a child’s body without a fuss.
Disadvantages
In a paper published by Dr. David Ludwig and Dr. Walter Willett titled ‘Three Daily Servings of Reduced-Fat Milk: An Evidence-Based Recommendation?’, they clearly stated that humans (including children) have no nutritional need for animal milk. The paper also highlights that all over the world, the rate of bone fractures is actually lower in countries that don’t consume animal milk compared to the countries that do (4). This clearly shows no correlation between reduced risks of fractures and calcium levels found in milk. Further, drinking too much milk can lead to excessive calcium build-up in a child’s body and cause anemia.
Apart from calcium, milk also contains a large (almost disproportionate) amount of calories contributing to obesity. A study titled ‘Milk intake, height, and body mass index in preschool children‘ also highlights the effects of excessive calories in milk (5). It states that although young preschool going children who drink three servings of milk a day are likely to be taller than those who don’t, they were also more likely to be obese or overweight.
These are simply an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of consuming milk. There are several other factors that you should keep in mind, such as lactose intolerance or a sustainable eating habit to help you decide the role of milk in your child’s diet.
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