|
|
|
 |
|
Sign
up for the NDC Update for the latest dairy nutrition news, fast facts,
free tools for patients, expert nutrition advice and information on updated
dairy nutrition resources.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Nutrition & Product Information
Flavored Milk in Perspective
Summary and Conclusion
Flavored milks not only are well liked, especially by children and adolescents, but parents, school food service directors, and health professionals support intake of this beverage. The availability of flavored milks increases overall milk and nutrient intake. Health and behavior concerns related to components in flavored milks such as small amounts of sugar, caffeine, and oxalate are unfounded. This review of the scientific literature addressing various behavioral and health issues related to flavored milks indicates the following:
- Flavored milks are as nutritious as unflavored milks. Both types of milks are nutrient dense foods containing a high proportion of essential nutrients in relation to their energy content. Chocolate milk, for example, provides the same essential nutrients as white milk, including calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and niacin. Like unflavored milks, all versions of flavored milks provide 300mg calcium per serving or about one-third to one-fourth of children's daily calcium recommendation.
- The main difference between flavored milk such as chocolate and unflavored milk is the 2 to 4 teaspoons more sugar (sucrose or high fructose corn syrup) and about 60 more calories per serving in chocolate milks.
- Intake of sugar may contribute to dental caries, but it is unlikely that flavored milks cause this disease. Flavored milks, being liquid, do not readily adhere to tooth surfaces. Also, components in flavored milks may protect against dental caries. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, because chocolate milk is a beverage it is less likely to cause cavities than sticky foods. Also, the calcium, phosphorus, and cocoa in chocolate milk may protect teeth from decay.
- The minute amount of caffeine in chocolate milk, which is similar to the amount in decaffeinated coffee, is generally considered too small to affect most children's behavior or health. Similarly, there is no evidence that theobromine in chocolate milk affects children.
- Although cocoa contains oxalate which binds calcium, calcium is absorbed equally well from chocolate and unflavored milks.
- For individuals with lactose maldigestion, flavored milks such as chocolate may be better tolerated than unflavored milks.
- Intake of chocolate milk does not spoil children's appetites nor displace intake of other foods at the same meal.
- Allowing the option of moderate amounts of flavored milks such as chocolate milk in a nutritionally balanced diet is compatible with nutrition education efforts and dietary guidelines. Successful nutrition education teaches people how to choose appropriate amounts of a wide variety of foods. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognizes that some foods with added sugars such as chocolate milk are also high in vitamins and minerals. The guidelines recommend that all individuals two years of age and over "choose beverages and foods to moderate your intake of sugars."
- Because of flavored milks' important contribution to children's nutrient intake, nutrition education messages targeted to children and their parents should encourage intake of low or nonfat flavored milks. Also, health professionals should support policies that allow flavored milks to be offered as a beverage option in school nutrition programs.
Table of Contents:
|