Released Nov. 28, 2007

STILLWATER, Okla.--Everyone knows that milk is an important part of a growing child’s diet. There are several types of milk available at the grocery store, so which one is the best?

Check the Nutrition Facts label to learn about the benefits of milk, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition education specialist.

“Milk isn’t just for growing bones. Everyone in the family should be drinking milk,” Hermann said. “Calcium and vitamin D are important for your child’s growing bones and teeth. In addition, these same nutrients help a grown-up’s bones stay healthy.”

Protein is another nutrient found in milk. Protein is a must for building a growing body and keeping a body in good repair.

Vitamin A is a needed nutrient that helps keep eyes and skin as healthy as possible.

Hermann said it is important to keep in mind that all types of milk contain the same nutrients that are needed in a healthy diet.

“Infants up to 1 year old should drink breast milk or infant formula. From 1 to 2 years of age toddlers should drink whole milk. Toddlers need the fat from whole milk to grow properly,” she said. “After 2 years of age, children can begin drinking low-fat milk. This is a good habit for the entire family to get into. Drinking low-fat milk cuts down on the consumption of saturated fat.”

For some families, the transition from whole milk to low-fat milk may be easier by incorporating 2 percent milk into the diet for a while. Switch from whole to 2 percent. When everyone adjusts to the flavor, try low-fat milk.

Hermann said chocolate low-fat milk has about the same flavor as higher fat chocolate milk. This added flavor can help with the adjustment.

“You might also want to try putting low-fat milk on cereal and smoothies. Your child probably won’t notice the difference,” she said. “It’s also important for parents to drink milk to protect their bones, too. Children are more likely to drink milk if their parents are drinking it.”

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Contact: Trisha Gedon, (405) 744-3625 or trisha.gedon@okstate.edu