Top 10 Considerations When Choosing Fresh Milk for Children

Cow's milk protein allergy occurs when a child's immune system, particularly in infants, overreacts to the proteins found in cow's milk. This is the most common food allergy among infants and young children, as cow's milk is often the first source of foreign protein they consume in large quantities, especially if they have previously been fed formula. When infants or young children develop this allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies cow's milk protein as harmful and reacts against it, leading to symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy. Parents can opt for hydrolyzed protein formula or consult a nutrition expert when selecting plant-based protein milk.

Lactose is the primary sugar found in animal milk and dairy products. It serves as a source of glucose for brain and body functions, softens stools, and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidus and Lactobacillus, which support immune and digestive health in children. When lactose reaches the intestines, it is broken down into glucose and galactose by an enzyme called lactase (scientifically known as Beta-D-galactosidase or Lactase-phlorizin hydrolase), produced by the intestinal villi. If this enzyme is absent or insufficient, the body cannot digest lactose, leading to lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance occurs when a child cannot digest or absorb lactose, causing excess lactose to convert into lactic acid. This results in symptoms such as bloating, stomach rumbling, diarrhea, acidic stools, and redness around the anus. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed. Parents should opt for lactose-free milk or consult a nutrition expert to choose the most suitable milk for their child.

Constipation is a common issue among children. Severe constipation can lead to hard, dry stools or overly loose stools, making bowel movements difficult. Children with constipation often feel fatigued and lose their appetite.

Choosing milk for children with constipation can be challenging due to their delicate digestive systems. Therefore, mothers should pay special attention to the following factors when selecting milk for constipated children:

• Opt for milk containing easily digestible sugars like lactose.
• Choose milk with a fiber system such as GOS and FOS.
• Avoid milk containing palm oil or vegetable oils.

To ensure adequate nutrition and replenish lost energy, while promoting a healthy digestive system for better nutrient absorption, fresh milk for picky eaters should contain essential nutrients like Zinc, B Vitamins, and Lysine. These ingredients stimulate appetite, making meals more enjoyable for children.

Choosing fresh milk for picky eaters and malnourished children isn’t difficult, but mothers should pay close attention to the nutritional components that best meet their child’s needs.

A critical factor when selecting milk for children is the brand and origin of the product. Mothers should avoid randomly choosing milk based on impulse and instead opt for well-established, reputable brands with clear information about the product's origin.

When purchasing, it’s essential to carefully examine details on the packaging, such as labels, seals, and certifications, to avoid counterfeit or low-quality products that could harm the child’s health.

The most important consideration for mothers when choosing milk for their children is the nutritional composition. Not all milk products have the same nutrient levels. Fresh milk for 1-year-olds can be sourced from cow’s milk or goat’s milk. Depending on the child’s health needs, mothers can select specialized products containing nutrients suitable for underweight children, those with malnutrition, or those aiming for height or brain development.

To choose the right milk, mothers should focus on three key nutritional indicators:

• Energy: Should range between 62-65kcal/100ml
• Calcium: Should be between 110-120mg/100ml
• Fat: Should be between 3.4-g/100ml; avoid products with lower values

Each type of milk is associated with a brand, and its reputation reflects the product's quality. When selecting fresh milk for a 1-year-old, mothers should choose brands with a closed production process that meets strict standards to ensure thorough cleaning and the absence of harmful bacteria.

Mothers should also understand the production process and differentiate between the two common types of milk: pasteurized and sterilized milk. Pasteurized milk retains the most nutrients, processed from fresh milk at 75-90°C for a short time, then rapidly cooled to 4°C. It must be kept at this temperature to maintain quality and consumed within 10 days.

In contrast, sterilized milk is processed from raw milk at 140-150°C for 30-60 seconds, then rapidly cooled to 12.5°C. Manufacturers may add milk powder or fat, but not exceeding 1% per 100g of product. Sterilized milk, marked with UTH on packaging, has a 6-month shelf life and can be stored at room temperature. However, it may lose some vitamins and minerals compared to pasteurized milk.

Breast milk is the best and most essential food for newborns. Breastfeeding is a natural, economical, and effective way to protect the health of both mother and child.

In the early stages of life, breast milk is the most complete and vital source of nutrition for a child's overall development. It provides nutrients in proportions suitable for the baby's developmental stage, is easy to digest for their delicate digestive system, and ensures optimal absorption. Breast milk fully meets the nutritional needs of the baby, supporting healthy growth throughout the first six months of life.

Nutrition experts recommend continuing breastfeeding until the age of two or longer, with no necessity to switch to fresh milk.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants in their early years. However, milk production varies among mothers, and the amount of breast milk may not always meet the baby's needs in the first few months after birth. When mothers cannot or do not have the conditions to exclusively breastfeed, infant formula serves as a safe alternative, ensuring adequate nutrition for the child in their early years.

When the child reaches one year old, parents can gradually transition from formula to pasteurized whole milk or milk containing to 4 grams of fat per 100ml. After two years, parents can introduce pasteurized or sterilized fresh milk, choosing either whole milk or low-fat options. At this stage, milk becomes a supplementary part of the child's daily diet rather than the primary food source.

Milk is indeed a highly nutritious food, unmatched by most others, but this does not mean it should be reduced for overweight or obese children. The goal for these children is to adjust their diet to lower calorie intake while ensuring they still receive essential nutrients for growth, especially height.
No other food provides a better concentration of height-boosting nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, whey protein, lactose, etc.) per 1,000 kcal than milk.
Just 1,000 kcal from milk can supply the same nutrients that might require 1,500-2,000 kcal from other foods. Therefore, for obese children, milk is not only essential but should be increased in their daily diet.
Cutting milk can lead to deficiencies in calcium, minerals, and other vital nutrients, affecting height, bone strength, and overall development. Parents of overweight or obese children should consult nutrition experts to choose the most suitable fresh milk for their child.