Kids Who Don't Drink Milk May Not Be Getting Their Vitamins

Marshall TA, Eichenberger Gilmore JM, Broffitt B, et al.: Diet quality in young children is influenced by beverage consumption. J Am Coll Nutr 24:65-67, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Americans get most of their calcium and vitamin D from milk and other dairy products. Kids are drinking more beverages with sugar (like juice and soda) instead of milk. But if they drink less milk, they may not get enough calcium, vitamin D, or other vitamins and minerals.

Who was studied?

In this long-term study, 645 children were followed from birth to 5 years old.

How was the study done?

Parents kept track of what they fed their newborn babies at 6 weeks, then once every few months until the kids were 5. The food reports listed everything the child ate and drank for 3 days in a row. The reports told how food was prepared and brand names of products. If mothers were breastfeeding, researchers estimated how much milk the babies drank. Researchers compared how many vitamins and minerals the children were eating with what doctors recommend.

What did the researchers find?

Children took in slightly less milk and fewer dairy foods than recommended. Between the ages of 1 and 2 years, children drank the most 100% fruit juice. After age 2, they gradually drank less. They gradually had more drinks with added sugar between 1 and 4 years. They also drank more soda. The more juice or soda they drank, the less milk they drank.

Children who ate more dairy foods and drank fewer sugary drinks got more calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients. Children who drank more 100% fruit juice got more vitamin C but didn’t get some of the other nutrients they needed.

What were the limitations of the study?

All the information came from what parents or caregivers reported. This is called "self-reporting" and it is not always correct. Also, the children in the study had similar backgrounds. The results could be different for some other children in the U.S.

What are the implications of the study?

Milk and other dairy foods give children the calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients they need. Parents should encourage their kids to get enough milk and other dairy foods -- and have fewer sodas and other sugary drinks.