What is Whole Milk?

Whole milk is cow’s milk that contains 3.5 to 3.7% fat. Meanwhile low-fat milk, contains either 1% or 2% fat. The nutritional differences between the types of milk are as follows:

• Low-fat milk (1%): 88 to 105 calories, 0.4 to 2.4 grams fat
• Low-fat milk (2%): 125 calories, 4.7 grams fat
• Whole milk (3.7%): 155 to 160 calories, 9 grams fat

Fats are essential for many reasons:

• They are a provider of energy
• They are involved in forming cell membranes
• They are a vehicle for the provision of fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, E, D and K

Whole milk is recommended for growing children. A toddler needs the extra calories from whole milk for strong bones and teeth. A toddler needs two to three servings of milk and dairy products or other foods that are high in calcium each day.

The calcium that comes from whole milk is also essential. Growing up children will be more active and would love to explore their world. During this time, they need a lot of energy and nutritious food. An early good and healthy eating habit should be encouraged.

According to Robert Steele (Pediatrician, St John’s Children Hospital), children over the age of two who are given a diet that contains heart-healthy diet (28% calories from fat, 10% from saturated fat and low cholesterol) show no growth difficulties. Robert added that the fat intake of children under the age of two should not be limited. Therefore, these children should receive whole milk.

In addition, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), stated in their Guide To Your Child's Nutrition, that these 'young children need calories from fat for growth and brain development,' and 'this is especially important in the first 2 years of life.'

The amounts of calcium and phosphorous in whole milk is also beneficial for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth.

The most abundant protein in milk is casein and is protective as it forms a thin film on the enamel surface which prevents loss of calcium and phosphate from the enamel when the teeth are exposed to acids in the mouth.
Studies have suggested that milk also reduces the effects of cariogenic foods on teeth when consumed together with them in the diet.

Public Health Division from Ministry of Health Malaysia provides some tips in their book ‘Balance meal for young children age 1 to 6 years old’ for mother to encourage their toddlers to drink milk. The tips are;

1. Let your children choose their own flavor of milk.
2. Tell a story to your children regarding the benefit of milk.
3. Use your creativity when preparing the milk (add colorful fruits).
4. Encourage family member to drink milk.

Always seek a pediatrician’s approval before feeding your child.

 Source Reference:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
3. www.milk.co.uk