Plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or even pea or flaxseed milk, are options for children who cannot consume milk. dairy products.
However, among the growing number of parents of children under five looking to transition from cow milknearly half turn to popular blogs and online influencers without medical training for advice on milk alternatives, according to new research.
The study, which will be presented at the 2023 National Conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics Sunday, analyzed 145 popular blogs on the topic of milk alternatives. Researchers found that 47% of bloggers were “lay people with no medical training.”
Although parent blogs are a good resource for parenting advice and community building, the study’s lead author, Kara Sangiuolo, a medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, believes that when They search online for information about diet and health, parents must turn to more informed sources.
“When considering alternatives to milk for toddlers and young children, it’s best to look for resources written or reviewed by healthcare professionals specifically aimed at pediatric or early childhood nutrition,” Sangiuolo tells The Messenger.
How to choose milk alternatives
Although dairy-free alternatives have the word “milk” in their name and offer choice and flexibility for parents looking to swap, they are not all created equal. according to to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The nutrient content of alternative milks varies widely, and many lack nutrients essential for children’s growth.
Additionally, milk alternatives might contain “less protein and fewer calories than traditional cow’s milk,” says Sanguiolo.
The Messenger spoke with a number of dietitians about how parents should go about making the transition to plant-based milk. Here’s everything the experts had to say:
Typically, cow’s milk is fortified with essential nutrients, such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, vitamin A, zinc, potassium and choline, and provides up to 150 calories . Tok-hui yes, RD., a pediatric nutrition specialist at Kinder Nutrition in Eugene, Oregon, tells The Messenger via email.
Giving growing children alternative milk could cause them to lack necessary nutrients. Dietitians therefore recommend starting with milk alternatives that provide similar nutrients as well as a healthy combination of protein, fat and calories.
“Parents should start by offering fortified soy milk, pea protein milk, or a blend, as they offer a similar nutritional profile to cow’s milk.” Amy Reed, MS, RDpediatric dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told The Messenger via email.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended choose an unsweetened and unflavored milk alternative.
“Some plant-based milks have added sweeteners to improve taste, which can contribute to the amount of added sugar and calories in the product,” says Reed.
For parents raising children with allergies to nuts, soy or dairy, Trista Best, RD, dietitian at Balance One Supplements, says oat milk is a great substitute. Plus, it’s full of vitamin B12.
“Vegans typically don’t get enough vitamin B12 in their diet, but oat milk provides 50 percent of the daily value of this essential nutrient,” Best told The Messenger via email.
Additionally, drinking oat milk regularly is also beneficial for your health, Best points out.
“Consumers are likely to see reduced mucus production, improved immune health, and lower rates of inflammation and gastrointestinal distress,” says Best.
The downside to oat milk, however, is that it’s high in carbs, she says. Giving your growing child more than the recommended daily serving could add extra calories.
“The nutrients you get from plant-based milk alternatives can depend on the plant source used, processing methods and added ingredients, so check the label carefully,” Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director of the Center for Food Safety. and Applied Nutrition to the FDA, said in a statement.
How to Enrich Homemade Milk Alternatives
Making homemade nut milk, soy milk, or other forms of dairy-free milk can help you avoid exposing your children to additives or preservatives, but consuming homemade milk alone may not provide nutritional benefits appropriate for growing toddlers, says Sanguiolo.
“Homemade milk alternatives generally contain lower levels of vitamins and nutrients because they are not fortified,” she explains.
But if you opt for homemade milk, Reed recommends making sure the child is eating a variety of other foods that provide these nutrients.
For example, bananas contain potassium; eggs, fish, meat and nutritional yeast provide sufficient vitamin B12, while oats and pumpkin seeds contain zinc.
“Additionally, they will need to supplement their children with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and calcium to ensure they meet the recommended daily intake,” says Yeap.
Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish and orange juice fortified with vitamin D. Foods rich in calcium include kale, collard greens, and black beans.
