The status of milk has evolved in the minds of parents. Once considered the king of growth foods, it is today the subject of much suspicion.
To sort out fact from fiction and guide parents in their children’s diet, dietician Julie Boët gives us her scientific analysis and precise advice.
An essential pillar for the youngest
Milk is not just a comfort food. It is a real reservoir of micro and macronutrients essential for the development of the body. During childhood, the body undergoes changes that require constant nutritional intake.
“Milk is an important source of many nutrients essential for growth. It provides high-quality proteins, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, vitamin B12 and, when enriched, vitamin D. These elements contribute to the development of the skeleton, muscle growth, the proper functioning of the nervous system and the maintenance of optimal bone health throughout childhood. explains Julie Boët first.
This is why, during the first months and years, it plays a central role. The expert reminds us that we should not make the wrong product.
“In infants and young children, milk should not be considered a simple drink. During the first years of life, nutritional needs are very specific and cannot be covered by conventional cow’s milk.
she emphasizes.
“Until the age of 3, French recommendations favor breast-feeding when possible or, failing that, infant formula adapted to the child’s age.
Growing-up milk or yogurt: how to navigate after 1 year?
After the first birthday, diet evolves even more. However, the specificity of the toddler’s needs remains. Switching to standard cow’s milk too early is a common mistake that can deprive the child of key nutrients or, conversely, overload their body with protein.
“After 1 year, growth milk remains particularly interesting. It contains more iron, essential fatty acids and vitamin D than classic cow’s milk, while being less rich in protein. These characteristics better correspond to the nutritional needs of young children” assures the dietitian.
Some parents also wrongly think that a yogurt or cream dessert is equivalent to a bottle of growth milk. Julie Boët redefines priorities. “Contrary to popular belief, yogurts or other dairy products do not completely replace infant milk or growing-up milk during this period, because their nutritional composition is different.
What are the real quantities and which products to choose?
As the child grows, infant milk gives way to traditional dairy products shared with the rest of the family. However, there is no need for too much. Both excess and deficiency should be avoided to maintain a balanced diet.
“From 2 to 3 years old, the child can gradually consume the same dairy products as the rest of the family as part of a balanced diet.indicates the dietitian. “French recommendations generally recommend two dairy products per day for children and adolescents. A dairy product corresponds, for example, to a glass of milk, a natural yogurt or a portion of cheese adapted to the child’s age.
Beyond quantities, the choice of products is crucial for health. The shelves are full of ultra-processed products that look more like confectionery than nutritional products.
The expert advises returning to simplicity. “Variety remains important. Milk, natural yogurts, petit-suisses and certain cheeses can all find their place in the diet. It is preferable to favor minimally processed and unsweetened products. Dairy desserts very rich in added sugars do not have the same nutritional benefits as natural yogurt or fromage blanc.
Additionally, food safety is crucial. Particularly with regard to bacteriological risks among the youngest.
“Pasteurized dairy products are preferred for young children. Pasteurization helps limit the risk of contamination by certain potentially dangerous bacteria. Indeed, raw milk cheeses may present a higher risk of infection. Particularly before the age of 5, a period during which the immune system is still developing.”
Suspected allergies and plant-based alternatives: watch out for the pitfalls
Faced with the slightest digestive disorder, the first modern reflex is often to blame cow’s milk. However, self-diagnosis and wild avoidance can prove deleterious for an organism in full construction.
Julie Boët warns: “Certain medical situations require specific adaptation. This is particularly the case for allergies to cow’s milk proteins or certain diagnosed intolerances. In these situations, eviction is possible, but it must always be supervised by a health professional. It is important to remember that occasional digestive discomfort does not necessarily mean that a child is intolerant or allergic, especially at birth. Many parents spontaneously remove dairy products without a medical diagnosis, which can expose the child to unnecessary nutritional deficiencies.”
In the event of an allergy, the treatment course imposes absolute rigor. Both in the suppression and in the return to a normal diet.
“When an intolerance or allergy is suspected, it is essential to consult a doctor or specialist in order to carry out the necessary examinations. In the same way, an eviction must not be followed by an improvised reintroduction. This must be decided and supervised by the health professional who is following the child. Depending on the pathology concerned, the reintroduction methods can be very different and sometimes require special monitoring.”
Finally, the expert warns about the fashion for plant-based “milk”, which are milk in name only and are not at all suitable for the needs of infants. “Almond, rice or oat drinks do not spontaneously replace milk in young children and should not be used as substitutes without medical advice. Individualized care then ensures that the needs for calcium, proteins, vitamin D and other essential nutrients are correctly covered.” she concludes.