The “Healthy Start in Life” network, part of the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, explains that young children aged 1 to 3 years should consume a total of about 300 milliliters of milk daily to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for growth. It notes that this quantity can also be obtained from other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, with 15 grams of semi-hard cheese or 30 grams of soft cheese being roughly equivalent to 100 milliliters of milk.
The network confirmed that cow’s milk is an important source of calcium, iodine, and vitamins B2 and B12. These nutrients play a vital role in the health of bones and teeth, metabolism, and the development of the nervous system in young children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a key reference for child nutrition recommendations. It confirms that consuming moderate amounts of dairy products helps meet calcium and vitamin D needs, two important elements for building strong bones and promoting overall health. This is provided there is no excessive reliance on milk that prevents the intake of other food groups such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and meats or protein alternatives.
Other dairy products like yogurt and cheese remain a useful alternative source of calcium and protein. They can be included in a child’s daily meals to provide dietary variety that ensures their essential nutrient needs for growth are met.
