Many people are switching to milk alternatives, for climate reasons or animal welfare, while bearing nutrition in mind too.
But can kids thrive on plant-based milk alternatives from oat to soy and rice? Milk is often an essential part of a youngster’s diet rather than an optional extra in a cup of coffee.
Chief dietician Dennis Papanouskas says parents should thoroughly research the subject thoroughly and seek medical advice before reducing or completely stopping their children’s intake of cow’s milk.
“In serious cases, this can lead to growth disorders or other symptoms of malnutrition” as plant-based drinks have a different nutritional profile to cow’s milk, says Papanouskas, who heads the School for Dietitians at Munster University Hospital (UKM) in Germany.
Plant-based drinks may well be suitable for toddlers. “However, this depends very much on the differences between the individual plant-based drinks,” says Papanouskas.
Firstly, consider the protein content. Drinks made from pulses such as soya, field beans or peas contain almost as much protein as cow’s milk. But drinks made from grains such as rice, oats or coconut contain much less. Papanouskas advises parents to opt for plant-based drinks with a high protein content for their children.
Cow’s milk not only provides protein but, above all, supplies young children aged between one and three with certain crucial micronutrients, say Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) and nutrition advice sites. These include calcium, iodine, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12. Some plant-based drinks are fortified with these nutrients; checking the ingredients list will provide clarity.
But here too there are differences. Calcium in the form of calcium carbonate is more easily absorbed than tricalcium phosphate. This often settles at the bottom, so shake cartons well first. Some drinks also contain added sugar, sweeteners or flavourings which are best avoided, say dietitians.
Which foods complement plant-based drinks
One catch is that makers of organic plant-based drinks legally do not have to fortify them with micronutrients.
So if a child does not obtain calcium, iodine, vitamin B2 and B12 directly from the plant-based drink, parents should specifically incorporate other foods into their child’s diet to compensate for any deficiency.
Calcium helps build bones and keep teeth healthy. Dairy products also contain vitamin A, which helps the body resist infections and is needed for healthy skin and eyes, the NHS says.
Sources of calcium include broccoli, kale and mineral water containing more than 150mg of calcium per litre. When adding salt, use iodised salt. You also find iodine in sea fish and sometimes in processed products such as bread and sausages.
In general, different fruit and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals, so the more types your toddler eats, the better, the NHS says.
“Don’t worry if they’ll only eat one or two types at first. Keep offering them small amounts of other fruit and vegetables so they can learn to like different tastes and textures.”
Cereals, particularly wholegrains, contain vitamin B2. Vitamin B12 is found in significant amounts only in animal-based foods, such as eggs,chicken and meat. If the family does not eat these, vitamin B12 supplements should be taken – but only after consulting a paediatrician.
Why medical supervision is important
Even if you follow all the advice, Papanouskas advises you consult your paediatrician. It makes sense, for example, to have the child’s blood values checked. “When adults suffer from malnutrition, they often notice it through dry skin, tiredness and a drop in performance.
Children, however, just do not yet have that keen awareness, and it can sometimes be very difficult to spot from the outside,” he says. – dpa
