THIS MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS
December 2008
DAIRY CHECKOFF UPDATE View PDF
Pediatricians Urge Children to Drink Only Milk or Water Between Meals
A new policy statement issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages consumption of only milk or water between meals for children to help decrease the risk of cavities and ensure good oral health. This further positions dairy’s role as part of a healthy diet and reinforces the commitment that dairy producers have to child health.
The AAP’s statement, which was published in the December issue of Pediatrics, also urges parents to:
· Give their children no more than 4 ounces of 100 percent fruit juice per day
· Avoid serving children carbonated beverages and juice drinks
· Encourage eating patterns consistent with the MyPyramid recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
“The recommendation that children should only consume milk and water between meals and limit their juice intake provides further support for parents to encourage their children to drink nutrient-rich low-fat or fat-free milk,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, a registered dietitian and senior vice president of nutrition affairs for the National Dairy Council® — the nutrition research and education arm of the dairy checkoff.
National and local dairy council staff are helping to educate the public about this policy statement through communication efforts and outreach to the health professional community.
For more information, visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org.