Whole milk vs skim milk for kids full#

Fat Content, Body Composition and Vitamin D Status However, some of these studies have limitations so we need to be careful about taking any individual study alone as evidence to change the current advice. There is mounting evidence that calls into question the advice of low fat and skim milk, particularly in early childhood regarding its impact on weight and vitamin D status. Whole Milk Nutrition Facts: Current Research Recent studies suggest the fat content in whole milk may not be as bad as we thought when it comes to weight and vitamin D status in children.

Whole milk vs skim milk for kids full#

Nutrition research science marches on and we’re learning more about the possible benefits of full fat milk for children and the effects of the fat content in whole milk. It is recommended that all breastfed babies, starting in the first few days of life, are given a Vitamin D supplement.įormula-fed babies receive vitamin D in their formula, however, until they reach an intake of 32 ounces daily of formula or transition to whole milk at 12 months, they also need vitamin D supplementation.Īll children and adults from age one to old age need 600 IU of vitamin D per day from food and/or additional supplementation. This reduces the saturated fat and calories contained in higher fat products.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend the same - after 2 years of age, switch to low fat dairy products.įor children who carry extra body fat, the guidelines are to offer skim or low fat milk and dairy products, such as 1% low fat milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend low fat or skim milk for children after 2 years old. What Are the Current Recommendations for Whole Milk? Recommendations for babies and toddlers.Whole milk nutrition facts including calcium and vitamin D.The research in kids and adults regarding whole milk.The current recommendations about whole milk for kids.I’m a childhood nutrition expert so sometimes I experienced a little guilt about giving my kids whole milk early in their life and over their lack of vitamin D supplementation.īut, in my defense, the advice was different back then… I relied on milk, fish, and other sources to supply my children’s needs. So, I didn’t pay too much attention to supplemental vitamin D. However, the message wasn’t as strong as it is today. Supplementing with vitamin D was also recommended. When I had my babies, way back when and over 20 years ago, the practice at the time was to offer whole milk from age one to five years. Over the years, our understanding of the benefits of and recommendations for whole milk and vitamin D supplementation has changed for children. Is whole milk good or bad for kids? Get the lowdown on the latest research and how whole milk recommendations have changed, the whole milk nutrition facts, and my advice for including it in your family’s diet.