Dairy for child health

Nutrient-rich foods, such as milk and dairy, are an important part of a healthy balanced diet, especially for children and teenagers who have particularly high nutritional requirements, according to the The Dairy Council.

Milk and dairy foods contribute the most calcium to the UK diet compared to other food groups. Young children need about half to three quarters of the amount of calcium compared to adults, whereas teenagers require more than adults.

Childhood is an important time of growth and development and can set the scene for adult health, however, the latest nutrition and diet survey suggests that 12% of male teens and 19% of female teens do not get enough calcium from their food.

In addition to calcium, milk is high in protein and is a source of phosphorous, all of which are important for growth and development of bone.

Milk and dairy are also the greatest contributor of iodine to the UK diet, a nutrient of concern for teenage girls, and are also high in vitamin B2, which helps to maintain skin, vision and nerve function.

Dr Anne Mullen, director of nutrition at The Dairy Council, said: “Dairy matters to the health and nutrition of all members of the family, but as school term is about to start, it’s important we take this opportunity to remind parents that a simple glass of milk can help to keep their child, or teenager, happy and healthy.

“Milk is high in calcium, protein, iodine and lots of other nutrients that are important for growth and development.

“The food children eat at school, including at break time and for school meals or packed lunches, will make an important contribution to children’s dietary intake.

“School age children are very impressionable so it is important for them to learn about eating the right types of foods and up taking plenty physical activity.”

The Dairy Council will provide parents with information at the BBC’s Good Food Show, which is taking place this bank holiday weekend from 26th – 28th August at Hampton Court Palace in London.