Growth milk, yes or no?
The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the sixth month of life, then continuing as much as possible in parallel with weaning.
In fact, breast milk is the most complete food to offer to newborns. It is rich in mineral salts, proteins, essential fatty acids and other nutrients useful for the correct development of the child.
After the twelfth month of life, if the mother no longer breastfeeds, growth milk can be used.
Growing up milk is a milk specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of children aged 12 to 36 months.
It must be remembered that cow’s milk has a protein content three times higher than mother’s milk, while it is iron deficient .
Growth milk, on the other hand, contains less protein and is enriched in micronutrients, such as iron, zinc and vitamins. This makes it easier to adequately meet the nutritional needs of the child.
But beware of the possible excess of sugars. Infant formulas are often enriched with sugars which make the product more palatable. This excessive sweetness could influence the child’s tastes by favoring the development of preferences for sweet foods, with a consequent risk of incurring overweight and obesity .
Let’s keep in mind that, in fact, according to studies conducted by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) experts, the intake levels of energy, protein, salt and potassium in infants and young children is quite high.
EFSA underlines the importance of not exceeding energy intake and paying attention that the levels of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin D and iodine are sufficient for the correct development of the child.
Fortified foods are therefore a way to increase these intakes, but not the only one: it is up to the parents to choose a diet that is as complete and balanced as possible for their child.
This is why we keep in mind how important it is to try to include fruit and vegetables at every meal, propose white meat 2 or 3 times a week, fish – preferably blue- at least 2 or 3 times a week and cheese 2 times a week. Legumes should also be introduced at least a couple of times a week, possibly associated with whole grains for a single dish or as they are. We also remember to limit the addition of salt or sugar to a minimum: thus we get the child used to appreciating all tastes in their naturalness as much as possible.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.