Let milk be thy medicine

Frustrated parents are bombarded with confusing nutritional advice from television and supermarkets every day. But with the startling revelations of a new national survey, it has become easier to trust our instincts, get back to basics and rely on good food for great kids.

Like our parents before us

The Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey measured dietary intake and physical activity of children aged 2–16 years and revealed a high number of kids are not even receiving the estimated average requirement (EAR) for calcium.

The shocking investigation tells us, just like our own mothers and fathers did, that kids must be encouraged to consume more dairy products in order to gain the recommended intake of calcium and other essential nutrients.

Rather than relying on the latest marketing panacea or spending a small fortune on alternative therapies, nourishing our children and ensuring their calcium intake is sufficient has never been more clearly outlined.

Ensuring we stock the home with calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt throughout the day is easy and cost effective.

Our nation’s very own Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents specifically recommend these foods because they provide important nutrients, particularly calcium.

It is unequivocal that milk and other dairy foods are the largest contributors of calcium in the diets of Australian children, as well as giving at least nine other essential nutrients – like vitamin A for healthy eye sight, protein and zinc for growth and development, and vitamin B12 to help keep blood healthy.

Facts and stats we need to know

Statistics can be mind-numbing, especially when they are being brandished about by companies selling high-sugar, high-salt and fatty products to our babies.

But we can’t hide from the latest figures that have been exposed:

• A shocking proportion of school children, from 35% to 89%, in the age group 9–16 years, have an intake less than the estimated average requirement (EAR) for calcium. 
• Aussie kids in the 12–16 year old category are most at risk of not meeting their dietary requirements for calcium.
• Of the 12–16 year age group, 82–89% of girls do not meet the EAR for calcium.

What the experts say

Dairy Australia dietitian Glenys Kerrins says the research exposes serious concerns for the future bone health of Australian children.

"Obviously school aged children are not consuming the recommended daily three serves of dairy, a key calcium rich food," she says.

"In fact, the survey shows that once children hit school age their dairy food intake declines, relative to the rest of their diet.

"The substantial decline in the intake of dairy products amongst older children is cause for concern.

"The greatest rate of bone growth takes place at puberty, which is why calcium is so important for children and teenagers, to help build healthy bones and reduce the future risk of osteoporosis and fractures in later adult years."

Our lovely little monsters

While point-of-sale supermarket techniques and the "golden arches" make any parent’s job difficult, there are ways to beat the bad guys and take care of our little guys and girls.

Especially with young girls going through the tenderness of puberty, remind them that all dairy comes in low-fat/low-sugar versions, is great for glowing skin and fantastic for hair and nails.

Make dairy delicious, which is easy with ideas like:

• Low fat milkshakes and fruit smoothies
• Easy to open, chilled yoghurts
• Funky single serving cheeses and muffins
• Flavoured milk for treats
• Toasties for simple snacks that children can even learn to make themselves.

Most important for all of us is to set a good example. As you know, children emulate almost instantaneously. So forget the nagging and grab some dairy in front of the kids.

It can help save money in tight times when eating out is more expensive, and will also save the future of our children’s bones and bright futures.