How should children drink milk to absorb it better?

Drinking as much milk as possible isn't necessarily better; choosing the right time and type of milk is crucial for children to absorb nutrients effectively.

Milk has long been considered a familiar source of nutrition in the development of young children. However, many parents believe that simply giving their children plenty of milk will make them taller and healthier.

In fact, nutrition experts say that absorption efficiency also depends on the type of milk chosen, the timing of consumption, and the appropriate amount of milk for each age group.

Prioritize low-fat milk for children.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the key recommendations in the new nutritional guidelines is to prioritize non-fat or low-fat dairy products for children. Skimmed milk or 1% fat milk still provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins, but contains less fat than whole milk or regular cheeses.

Additionally, parents are encouraged to give their children milk and yogurt more often instead of excessive amounts of cheese. This is because milk and yogurt generally contain less saturated fat and sodium, while being rich in potassium and vitamins A and D, which are beneficial for children's development.

For children with lactose intolerance, parents can choose lactose-free milk, yogurt, or cheese. These products still provide the same amount of calcium, vitamin D, and many other important vitamins and minerals as regular milk.

Choosing the right type of milk can help children absorb nutrients and develop better. Photo: Shutterstock.

Drinking as much as possible is not necessarily a good thing.

Milk contains many important nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, which support bone and teeth development and physical growth in children. However, if children drink too much milk in a day, especially as a replacement for main meals, their bodies may experience nutritional imbalances.

Some nutritional studies suggest that consuming too much milk over a long period can affect iron absorption, increasing the risk of iron-deficiency anemia in young children. Therefore, parents should not force their children to drink excessive amounts of milk but should adjust the amount according to the needs of each age group.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 1 to 2 years old should drink 2-3 cups of milk per day. Children over 2 years old can drink 2-3 cups of milk per day, or can switch to low-fat or skim milk.

Generally, young children should only drink an adequate amount of milk in combination with a varied diet including meat, fish, green vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates to ensure comprehensive development.

When is the best time to drink milk?

According to Baidu Health, many families have a habit of giving children milk as soon as they wake up, while their stomachs are still empty. However, for children with sensitive digestive systems, this can cause bloating or discomfort.

Experts suggest that children should have a light snack before drinking milk, such as bread, cereal, or some starchy food. Having food in the stomach allows the body to absorb nutrients more steadily and efficiently.

Drinking milk about 1-2 hours before bedtime is also considered a suitable time. This is when the body enters a recovery and growth phase, allowing it to better utilize the calcium and protein in milk. However, children should not drink milk too close to bedtime as it may cause bloating or nighttime urination.

Source: https://znews.vn/tre-uong-sua-the-nao-de-hap-thu-tot-hon-post1653816.html