What is the role of milk fat content in a child's diet?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fat plays an important role in providing high energy, supporting brain and nervous system development (especially in young children), and helping the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Based on recommendations from WHO, whole milk is an important source of nutrition that helps provide energy and support comprehensive development for children. Specifically:
Children from 1-3 years old:
- Need about 35-40% of total daily energy from fat (30-40g fat/day)
- Should drink 350-500ml of whole milk/day (12-18g fat)
Children 6-12 years old:
- Need about 25-35% of total daily energy from fat (40-50g fat/day)
- Should drink 400-600ml of whole milk/day (14-22g fat)
Children on low-fat diets tend to gain weight because their satiety regulation mechanisms are not yet fully developed. Therefore:
- Need to diversify fat sources
- Monitor weight and fitness while providing fat to the body
Ultimately, choosing the right milk needs to be individualized, based on each child's body and nutritional needs.