Experts Say Kids Under 5 Should Only Drink Cow’s Milk, Water

Today Cary Frye, of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) released a statement on the Healthy Eating Research Report. Frye is the senior vice president of regulatory affairs at the IDFA in Washington, D.C. 

The report was released last week by panel of experts from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association. 

“Dairy milk is one of the healthiest things we can serve our kids, according to a panel of leading health experts who strongly recommend parents make dairy milk a key part of their child’s diet beginning at 1 year of age," Frye says. "In fact, the panel—composed of experts from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association—believe children between the ages of 1-5 should consume only cow’s milk or water.

“The experts conclude that cow’s milk—whole, low fat and skim milk—offers a host of essential nutrients that young kids need to be healthy, while recommending parents strictly limit or eliminate all other beverages.

“The members of the International Dairy Foods Association, along with the dairy farmers who supply their milk, are proud of the role they play in improving the health and nutrition of Americans, including children, who consume our products. Giving our kids the opportunity to drink nutritious milk throughout the day is one of the best things we can do for their health and development. Dairy milk is a super food for kids, providing many of the essential nutrients that only milk can provide—including protein, calcium, vitamin D and potassium. In fact, milk is the number one source of protein in the diets of children ages 2 to 11. That is why dairy milk is in 95% of American homes today—because families know dairy is healthy and nutritious. As the American Academy of Pediatrics states, “Dairy products play an important role in the diet of children. … In fact, milk is the leading food source of three of the four nutrients of public health concern (calcium, vitamin D, and potassium) in the diet of American children 2-18 years.”’

The full report and recommendations are available online.