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ROSEMONT, IL, June 9, 2011 – A new clinical report from The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides an important reminder to parents and pediatricians about recommended beverage consumption for children, noting that children should consume nutrient-rich low-fat or fat-free milk with meals.¹

“Often times parents forget that beverages are an important factor in children’s diets. They can provide essential nutrients, but in many cases may contribute nothing but empty calories,” said Dr. Robert Murray, Chair, Home and School Health Committee, the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “By including low-fat or fat-free milk with meals, parents can be sure that they’re including a nutrient-rich choice for their children, as opposed to something like an energy or sports drink.”

The report, “Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?” is published in the June 2011 issue of Pediatrics. The report examines how these products are being misused and provides guidance to eliminate consumption of energy drinks and to decrease or eliminate consumption of sports drinks by children and adolescents. AAP urges parents to use water to rehydrate and low-fat or fat-free milk to help meet nutrient needs. AAP also notes that low-fat milk, which is a good source of protein, is a good option for use as a protein-recovery drink following prolonged vigorous exercise.¹

This latest report adds to a body of support from the AAP recognizing the critical role low-fat and fat-free milk play in child nutrition, including:

• A 2006 report from the AAP on optimizing bone health recommends consuming low-fat or fat-free white or flavored milks, cheeses or yogurts to meet calcium recommendations in children and adolescents.²
• A 2004 report from the AAP on soft drinks and schools recommends replacing sweetened drinks with real fruit and vegetable juices, water and low-fat white or flavored milk.³ It’s also noted that as sweetened drink consumption rises, milk consumption declines, which is of concern because milk is the primary source of calcium in the diets of children and adolescents.

Given its unique package of nine essential nutrients that are critical to children’s development (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins D, A and B12, riboflavin and niacin [niacin equivalents]), it’s no surprise that low-fat and fat-free milk, whether white or flavored, is an important part of a healthy diet for children and teens. The new report calls out calcium and vitamin D as key nutrients found in low-fat and fat-free milk, which are particularly important for young people.

Milk’s important nutrient contribution is reflected in the recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which specifically call for children to increase consumption of low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, such as cheese and yogurt, to the recommended daily amounts:

• 2 cups for children ages 2 to 3 years
• 2 ½ cups for children ages 4 to 8
• 3 cups for those ages 9 years and older.

[REFERENCES]

¹Schneider, MB, Benjamin, HJ and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. American Academy of Pediatrics. Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate? Pediatrics. 2011; 127(6);1182-1189.

²Greer FR, Krebs NF and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. American Academy of Pediatrics, Optimizing bone health and calcium intakes of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2006; 117(2):578-585.

³American Academy of Pediatrics, Policy Statement: Soft Drinks in Schools. Pediatrics.2004; 113:152-154.

⁴U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. 7th Edition, Washington, DC: U.S Government Printing Office, January 2011. Page 38.

It is also featured in the newly announced Dietary Guidelines “MyPlate” icon and tips, which encourage nutrient-rich low-fat or fat-free dairy foods with every meal. The Guidelines also notes it is especially important for children to develop milk drinking habits at a young age, “as those who consume milk at an early age are more likely to do so as adults.”

“Low-fat or fat-free white or flavored milk provides 9 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and protein that help improve children’s overall health,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, M.A., R.D., L.D., Senior Vice President of Nutrition Affairs at National Dairy Council. “Making milk the beverage at every meal instead of sports drinks or sodas can help kids meet their nutrient requirements while reducing their consumption of empty calories.”

These new recommendations from AAP provide a significant reminder that in and out of school, it’s important to provide children access to nutrient-rich foods and beverages, such as low-fat and fat-free dairy. Grab-and-go food and beverages such as portable containers of low-fat and fat-free milk, low-fat string cheese and low-fat yogurt are easy ways to get the most out of a post-game snack.

June is National Dairy Month. The National Dairy Council encourages everyone to celebrate 30 Days of Dairy. For more information on dairy’s unique role in the diet, tips and recipes, follow @NtlDairyCouncil on Twitter, National Dairy Council on Facebook and visit NationalDairyCouncil.org.

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National Dairy Council® (NDC) is the nutrition research, education and communications arm of Dairy Management Inc™. On behalf of U.S. dairy farmers, NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media.

Established in 1915, NDC comprises a staff of nutrition science researchers, registered dietitians and communications experts dedicated to educating the public on the health benefits of consuming milk and milk products throughout a person’s lifespan. In addition, NDC funds independent research to aid in the ongoing discovery of information about dairy foods’ important role in a healthy lifestyle. This research provides insights to industry for new dairy product innovation.

For more information, visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org.