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AAP Changes Milk Recommendations for Children Under 2
July 16, 2008 06:00 AM
The American Academy of Pediatrics says certain children under 2 should drink 2 percent milk instead of whole milk.
30-Second Summary
When the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggested that some children as young as 8 use cholesterol-reducing drugs, the resulting controversy overshadowed an important dietary recommendation from the group.
The AAP now says that not all toddlers need to drink whole milk until they are 2 years old.
Children at risk of being overweight, or with a family history of heart disease, obesity or high cholesterol, can switch to low-fat milk between 12 months and 2 years old.
A certain amount of fat is necessary to aid in brain development for young children, explains WebMD. However, recent studies indicate that children who receive reduced-fat milk develop normally.
Dr. Tanya R. Altmann, spokeswoman for the AAP, said that whole milk isn’t necessary for everyone because “children now are getting too much fat from other sources.”
When it comes to eating, “the toddler years can be a source of frustration and concern for many parents,” said Pamela Stuppy, a licensed dietitian. Many parents wonder if their children are eating enough of the right foods.
Stuppy noted that having toddlers follow the example of older individuals by eating meals with their families could encourage good mealtime habits. Limiting distractions such as television can also be helpful.
Toddlers also have small tummies, which makes healthy snacks during the day especially important to ensure that kids have a balanced diet.
The AAP now says that not all toddlers need to drink whole milk until they are 2 years old.
Children at risk of being overweight, or with a family history of heart disease, obesity or high cholesterol, can switch to low-fat milk between 12 months and 2 years old.
A certain amount of fat is necessary to aid in brain development for young children, explains WebMD. However, recent studies indicate that children who receive reduced-fat milk develop normally.
Dr. Tanya R. Altmann, spokeswoman for the AAP, said that whole milk isn’t necessary for everyone because “children now are getting too much fat from other sources.”
When it comes to eating, “the toddler years can be a source of frustration and concern for many parents,” said Pamela Stuppy, a licensed dietitian. Many parents wonder if their children are eating enough of the right foods.
Stuppy noted that having toddlers follow the example of older individuals by eating meals with their families could encourage good mealtime habits. Limiting distractions such as television can also be helpful.
Toddlers also have small tummies, which makes healthy snacks during the day especially important to ensure that kids have a balanced diet.
Headline Links: New milk recommendations
Recent AAP recommendations for the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs affect a small number of children, but the organization’s new stance on the type of milk children should drink affects far more, said Kathleen Zelman, director of nutrition for WebMD.
Source: WebMD
The original article about the new milk recommendations appears in the July 2008 issue of “Pediatrics.”
Source: Pediatrics
Opinion & Analysis: Which milk when?
According to Dr. William Sears, “the question of when to switch from whole to low-fat milk depends upon your toddler’s overall nutrition.” Whole milk can provide fats essential to brain and central nervous system development, but it also contains added calories that some toddlers need if they are picky eaters.
Source: Parenting.com
Children’s Hospital Boston explains the benefits of breastfeeding a baby.
Source: Children’s Hospital Boston
Related Links: Cholesterol screening, obesity concerns and picky eaters
In an effort to fend off heart disease in adults, pediatricians are urging wider cholesterol screening in children and the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In fact, the AAP has recommended that kids as young as 2 and no older than 10 start receiving cholesterol screening if they have a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks. Those who are obese, or have a limited family history, are encouraged to do the same.
Source: findingDulcinea
Despite widespread fears about an obesity epidemic, childhood obesity rates in the United States have stayed the same since 1999, according to a government study.
Source: findingDulcinea
When a child is a picky eater, Pamela Stuppy, a licensed dietitian, says parents need to remember “that it is their responsibility to offer a variety of healthy foods to their child, decide where it will be eaten and when. Your child is then responsible for choosing how much and if he/she will eat.” Stuppy emphasizes that although toddlers are learning to be independent, parents shouldn’t give up on encouraging them to eat good foods.
Source: Portsmouth Herald News
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
