Which dairy products are healthiest for children, adults and elderly
These dairy products should be consumed by children, adults and the elderly (photo: Freepik)
Dairy products are considered an indispensable source of vitamins and minerals for the body from the first hours of its existence. Milk helps the body grow, develop, and gain strength.
Milk in the diet of a child
Milk and dairy products are an important part of a young child's diet.
They are a good source of protein and contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium. This will help children build bones and keep their teeth healthy.
Cow's milk
Cow's milk should not be given as a drink until the child is 1 year old. This is because it does not contain the balance of nutrients that babies need.
Children under 1 year of age should not be given condensed or powdered milk.
Pasteurized whole cow's milk can be introduced as a staple drink from 1 year of age.
Children under 5 years old should not be given skim milk or 1% fat milk to drink. It does not contain enough calories and other important nutrients for young children.
Children from 1 to 3 years old need to get about 350 mg of calcium per day. About 300 ml of milk (a little more than half a liter) will provide this.
Goat milk
Like cow's milk, goat's milk should not be used as a main drink for children under 1 year of age because they do not contain the right balance of nutrients.
When a child turns 1, he or she can drink goat's milk if it is pasteurized.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese can be part of a healthy, balanced diet for infants and young children and provides calcium, protein, and vitamins such as vitamin A.
Babies can eat pasteurized low-fat cottage cheese from 6 months of age.
Infants and young children should not eat:
- soft cheeses with mold, such as brie or camembert
- goat's milk cheese
- soft cheese with blue veins, like Roquefort
These cheeses may contain bacteria called listeria.
Which dairy products are best for adults
For adults, consuming too much fatty milk can contribute to excessive energy intake, leading to weight gain.
It is better for adults to consume milk with a lower fat content, as excess saturated fat in the diet can lead to high cholesterol levels.
Cheese can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, but it's good to watch how much you eat and how often, as it can be high in saturated fat and salt.
Try to choose reduced-fat cheeses, which typically contain 16 to 22 g of fat per 100 g.
If you are using cheese to flavor a dish or sauce, you may want to try using a stronger flavored cheese, such as cheddar or blue cheese.
Dairy products for older adults
When choosing the best types of milk for seniors, it's important to consider a variety of milk options, including dairy and plant-based alternatives.
Skim milk
Provides all the nutritional benefits of cow's milk, such as high calcium, vitamin D, and protein, without the added fat.
This makes it the best milk for seniors to maintain bone health and support muscle function without increasing the risk of heart disease.
Lactose-free milk
For older people with lactose intolerance, lactose-free milk is an excellent choice.
It has the same nutritional profile as regular cow's milk, including calcium, vitamins D and B12, and protein, but without the lactose that causes digestive discomfort.
Almond milk
Almond milk is the best milk for children over 40 years old because it contains fewer calories and fat than cow's milk and is naturally lactose-free.
It is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, making it a good option for bone health.
However, it is lower in protein, so it may need to be combined with other protein sources.
Soy milk
Soy milk is a great plant-based alternative that is almost as high in protein as cow's milk, making it the best milk for 60+.
It also contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, and is often fortified with calcium and vitamins D and B12.
Sources: the website of the American National Health Service and We care.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
