From birth to six (6) months of age, a baby is be fed breastmilk which is enough to provide all the nutrient needs of the child for that duration only. From thence, he/she will be given foods in addition to breastmilk because breastmilk can not anymore satisfy the infant’s higher nutrient needs. But still, the baby should be breastfed up until he/she becomes two (2) years old at the least. Even when weaned from the mother’s breast, a child is to continue drinking milk.
From childhood to senior citizenship, drinking milk is advised. One of the 10 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos states consumption of milk, milk products and other calcium-rich foods such as small fish and dark green leafy vegetables every day. Milk is a very nutritious food. It has long been known for building strong bones and teeth particularly due to its calcium content. There’s more though! It is also rich in carbohydrates, protein and fat, vitamins A and B, phosphorous, potassium. A serving equivalent to half cup of whole milk provides 12 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fat – all providing 172 kilocalories which is almost equivalent to that provided by 1 cup of packed rice. Its protein content is equivalent to what a serving of meat or poultry provides. When fortified, the nutrient content becomes more. Common additions are vitamin D, iron, zinc and vitamin C. Low fat and skim milk will be much lower in calories. How much milk to drink? In general, one cup of whole milk is advised on a daily basis. Some countries advise as much as 3 cups for adults. Low fat milk is resorted to when one needs to cut down on fat and calories.
Zeroing in on calcium which is abundant in milk and small fishes with bones, 99% is found in bones and teeth and 1% is in the blood needed for vital body processes. That in the circulation is the body’s priority and each time the calcium supply from food intake is low, the body withdraws from whatever is deposited in the bones and teeth, consequently weakening them. Yet, calcium deposition in bones is during childhood and peaks at teen years though some may still be absorbed until early young adulthood. So why then do older adults still drink milk? Simply to satisfy the 1% in the circulation. Though expensive, milk is obviously essential in our diet.
