From 12 months of age, children can include in their menu a greater variety of foods. In fact, the diet must be diverse and balanced to respond to nutritional needs that, we cannot forget, are specific to that age group and therefore different from those of adults. At this stage, many parents decide to include in their suckers the growth milks, which some manufacturers such as Puleva strengthen with vitamins, iron, calcium, omega 3 DHA. But how to know which one is the most suitable for our child? We solve the most frequent doubts.
What are growth milks?
The growth milks are beverages processed or formulated from milk or other proteins to meet the nutritional requirements of children aged one to three years. In other words, they are dairy drinks designed for the proper development of the child from the year.
These enriched milks allow correct or avoid potential nutritional deficiencies with a staple food, by incorporating in some percentages some essential nutrients. In fact, the accelerated lifestyle prevalent in developed countries is having a negative impact on the nutritional profiles of the little ones, which show a lack of minerals such as iron, as well as vitamin D and omega 3 DHA fatty acids, among others.
This is reflected in the ALSALMA study, published in 2014, which also detected an excessive consumption of proteins in that age range, three times more than recommended. Likewise, the ENALIA study found an insufficient intake of iodine and vitamin D in this population group.
"In general, in The diet of children is not too abundant fish consumption (source of omega 3 and vitamin D). But only in children with monotonous or restrictive diets can we find deficiencies of iron or other nutrients, "says José Manuel Moreno-Villares, head of Pediatrics at the University Hospital of Navarra in Madrid.
There are many factors that determine the possible imbalances in the diet of our children: from the changing tastes of the child to the daily rhythm of the parents (which often hinders the development of a healthy and balanced menu) through limitations of various kinds when buying fresh food.
Who are they recommended for?
As we have been saying, they are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants between 12 and 36 months. It is a stage with a very important cognitive development that requires specific nutrients.
For example, Dr. José Luis Bonal, a pediatrician and president of the Spanish Society of Outpatient Pediatrics and Primary Care (SEPEAP), mentions DHA (Omega-3), which is involved in visual acuity and intellectual development. Dr. Bonal points out that "it is not synthesized in sufficient quantities by the child" and its contribution is essential until 5-6 years of age, when the neuronal metabolism reaches maturity.
For its part, the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) believes that, in children aged 1 to 3 years, adapted milks can be used as part of a strategy for increase the intake of iron, vitamin D and polyunsaturated fatty acids, while that of protein is reduced compared to non-adapted cow's milk.
The importance of dairy
"As the diet diversifies," notes Dr. Moreno-Villares, "milk is losing prominence. But in the second and third years of life it continues to be an important part of the diet. And throughout childhood Dairy products are the main source of calcium of the diet. "
The expert continues to point out that, if the rest of your diet is balanced, there is no problem to consume whole milk from cow or another mammal (goat, sheep). However, growth milks may be of interest in the transition to whole milk, especially for some children with more deficient diets or insufficient intakes.
Thus, since milk is an ideal vehicle for incorporating essential nutrients into the diet of children aged one to three years, it is ideal to cover those deficiencies of iron, Omega 3 DHA and vitamin D detected in these ages by study cited above or that of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
How are growth milks formulated?
"Growth milks are modifications of cow's milk in which the nutrient profile best fits the needs of the small child", explains the head of Pediatrics at the University Hospital of Navarra in Madrid." For example, compared to cow's milk, they have less protein and saturated fat and higher iron content. They can also carry other nutrients such as vitamin D, iodine or omega fatty acids, "adds Dr. Moreno-Villares.
Although they are widely available in the market, its composition is not strictly regulated. Each laboratory recreates its ideal and differentiated formula, so it is very convenient to check the labeling of the container well.
In addition to the micronutrients that are added in response to possible nutritional deficiencies of children with poor diets, many formulas are enriched with other components such as probiotics and prebiotics in an effort to mimic, even partially, the composition of breast milk.
"There are many differences between the different products marketed. What we see in recent years is that it has been tried to be a product that adds value to the child's diet and nutrients that were either superfluous or even discouraged (for example, sucrose) have been eliminated, "says Moreno-Villares.
Puleva has opted not to incorporate added sugars or palm oil in its growth proposal. Likewise, it contributes to the small one 38% of the recommended daily amount of iron, thirteen times more than conventional cow's milk according to the company itself.
Less protein than cow
What should you notice? In the words of doctors Dalmau Serra and Moreno-Villares, the growth milks "should have a lower amount of protein than cow's milk and be supplemented with nutrients ... with a risk of insufficient intake."
This means that they should contain a contribution of omega 3 DHA, iron and vitamin D, preferably opting for formulas without added sugar. Remember that lactose is naturally present sugar both in cow's and breast milk and, therefore, is excluded from the limitations of sugar consumption by health authorities.
To find the sugars in these milks, we would have to look for the section of the label that indicates "Carbohydrates / of which sugars". Although lactose is also included in this quantification, it is therefore impossible to differentiate additives from those present naturally unless the packaging shows the legend “Without added sugars”.
Thus, the best growth milk will be one that contains these qualities:
Carbohydrates: preferably, choose to choose a formula with a contribution of lactose similar to that of cow's milk (4-5 g) and without added sugars.
Protein: the ideal in a growing milk is that it contains a smaller contribution to that of the cow, that is, less than 3 g per 100 ml.
Fat: Although the amount must be similar to that of cow's milk (3 g per 100 ml), it should contain vegetable fats or fish oils instead of the saturated fats of that.
Vitamins: It should be noted the presence of vitamin D, barely present in cow's milk.
Minerals: In addition to having other essential minerals such as iodine or calcium, the iron intake should be greater than 1 mg per 100 ml.
