When can children start drinking cow’s milk?

Cow’s milk is one of the most popular foods for its nutritional qualities. The specialized portal Mundo Lácteo cites the 6 essential nutrients highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO): vitamins (A, D, E and several of group B), minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, sodium, chlorine, magnesium and zinc), proteins, fats (between 3 and 6% in whole milk), water (between 80 and 87%) and carbohydrates (the main one is lactose). Everything necessary for the balanced development of the human being.

Each 100 grams of whole milk contains 65.4 calories, 3.1 grams of protein, 3.8 grams of fat, 4.7 grams of carbohydrates, 14 mg of cholesterol, 124 mg of calcium, 11.6 mg of magnesium, 157 mg of potassium and 92 mg of phosphorus.

Thanks to this nutritional composition, cow’s milk is good for bones and muscle mass, the cardiovascular system and the intestinal microbiota. It is a source of essential amino acids and antioxidants, regulates cholesterol and blood pressure and is antimicrobial.

But one thing at a time. It is said that a you drink You must not give him cow’s milk. Why? AND When can you start drinking it?

When can children start drinking cow’s milk?

According to the specialized site Medline Plus, the baby’s organs are still forming and Up to one year of age he has difficulty digesting milk proteins and fats. After a year there would be no more problems, even if there are any between 1 and 2 years you should only give him whole milk because it is precisely fat that contributes to brain development. After 2 years they can drink low-fat or skimmed milk if they are overweight.

The online site of the US National Library of Medicine cites the recommendations from the United States Department of Agriculture on cow’s milk consumption in children:

• From 2 to 3 years: You can consume 2 cups of milk (480 ml) per day
• From 4 to 8 years: 2 ½ cups (600 ml) daily
• From 9 to 18 years: 3 cups (720 ml) per day

Why children should not consume cow’s milk

The most common reason why children under 1 year of age cannot consume cow’s milk is Lactose intolerance, one of the milk proteins. In that age period it is very common. CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy) it affects more than 15,000 children a year and is considered the most common allergy in childhood.

The Ayre Foundation page quotes the Argentine Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (AAAeIC) which defines CMPA as “a immune response exaggerated reaction of the child to the ingestion of one or more cow’s milk proteins, which pass through breast milk and can sensitize predisposed girls and boys.”

If during breastfeeding the baby manifests itself nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhea You should consult your pediatrician because it is possible that you receive cow’s milk protein through breast milk. In this case, the AAaeIC recommends an exclusion diet for mothers: You should eliminate cow’s milk and all products containing it from your diet. The pediatrician will explain this clearly.

According to the Association, there is a perception increase in the trend of CMPA cases, already reaching 2 and up to 3% of children during the first year of life. This condition is usually transient and resolves between 2 and 3 years of age, although a small percentage may carry the allergy for life.