If you follow child nutrition content on social media, you’re bound to be confused when it comes to giving your kids milk. Some influencers claim you should avoid milk at all costs, for fear it could cause asthma, allergies or digestive problems. Others say your child probably isn’t drinking enough.

Then there are the different types. Do you give children full cream, low fat or skim milk? Or the array of milk alternatives you can now find on the supermarket shelf? And how much is enough?

Let’s look at the science.

Why we need dairy at every age

It’s important for the small number of people with a cow’s milk allergy or lactose intolerance to avoid dairy.

But for most other children, dairy can provide calcium, iodine, protein and other key nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. It supports key body systems from early childhood through to old age, including:

Dairy is rich in calcium, helping build strong bones in childhood and maintaining bone health throughout adulthood.

Children who consume enough dairy have higher bone density and some studies link dairy intake with greater height.

Adults who regularly consume dairy tend to have better bone health and lower fracture risk.

Dairy provides essential nutrients that help regulate blood pressure and support circulation.

Higher consumption of both full-fat and reduced-fat dairy has been linked to healthier hearts in kids and lower rates of heart disease and stroke........

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