To Drink Milk... or Not

Milk- to drink or not to drink-That is the Question

Cow’s milk is one of many sources of calcium, protein and Vitamin D. With just 2 cups per day a toddler will receive 100% of his calcium and protein needs, a preschooler will receive 100% and 75% respectively. So why the controversy? Is it the milk itself or substances given to the cows?

Some people are concerned about the antibiotics and hormones (BGH=bovine growth hormone) that are routinely given to dairy cows to combat infection and increase milk production. Are these substances getting into our milk supply and if so, are there negative effects? Some experts believe there is reason to be concerned but there have been no definitive studies. However, to avoid this concern buy organic milk. Organic milk is obtained from cows that do not receive antibiotics or hormones. These cows are also fed organic feed so they are not eating grains treated with pesticides.

There are a few small scientific studies linking cow milk consumption to Type I diabetes, in children predisposed to diabetes. In some children too much milk may contribute to constipation or iron deficiency. Sometimes eczema will clear up in a child if milk is eliminated from the diet. Milk is also one of the top 10 foods allergens, but so are other common foods such as wheat and soy. If any these issues concern you, you have several options. First, you can avoid dairy products completely and get enough calcium from foods such as tofu, greens, instant oatmeal, figs, almonds, and vsesames seeds. Many cold breakfast cereals and energy bars are now supplemented with calcium as is orange juice. Calcium supplements are also available for children.

Some children experience diarrhea and/or gas and bloating after eating milk or other dairy products. This could be a lactose intolerance. Lactose is milk sugar, which is naturally occurring in milk. If an individual’s body is not producing enough of the enzyme (lactase) which breaks down this sugar into smaller easily digestible parts, it may cause gas, bloating and/or diarrhea. Lactose intolerance can be mild (moderate amounts of dairy can be digested) to severe (any dairy product causes symptoms). See your pediatrician or a dietician to help you determine if you have a lactose intolerance, and how to adjust your dairy consumption and maintain sufficient calcium levels to best meet your health needs.

You may choose to avoid dairy products and use soy milk, soy yogurt and soy cheese. As soy contains phytoestrogen (plant base compounds similar to estrogen) there have been concerns by parents that too much soy may interfere with normal maturation. There appear to be no studies proving this to be the case. However, it is advised that soy supplements not be used as they contain a concentrated level of phytoestrogens not found in soy milks. Soy and other nondairy milks should be shaken vigorously prior to pouring to insure that the added calcium has not sunk to the bottom of the container.

So should your child drink milk? The choice is really yours. There are pros and cons with this decision as there are in most parenting decisions. It’s not easy, is it?