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Study Shows Children Who Get Enough Calcium Have Moms Who Drink Milk at Mealtime Okemos, Mi., April 2, 2004 – A study in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that mothers who regularly drink milk and make it available at family mealtimes are ensuring their kids get enough calcium as they enter adolescence, which is a critical time for bone growth and development. The study also indicates that setting this example is even more important since children’s beverage patterns may be in place as early as preschool. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine studied nearly 200 mothers and daughters for five years, from age five to nine. Results showed only 41 percent of the study participants met the adequate intake (AI) recommendations for calcium (800 mg for ages 4-8 and 1,300 mg for ages 9-18) – but these participants all had something in common. Their moms drank milk and were more likely to serve milk at mealtime. In addition, girls who met the AI for calcium at age five were almost fives times more likely to meet the AI for calcium at age nine.
“In this study, girls’ beverage patterns
remained fairly constant throughout childhood, and it’s noteworthy that these
patterns were in place in children as young as five,” said Jennifer Orlet
Fisher, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, Baylor College of
Medicine.
“The findings suggest that the easiest way to make sure girls get the calcium
they need is to make milk a routine part of family mealtimes.” The study also found that girls who met the AI for calcium consumed almost twice the amount of milk and consumed more calories, but they did not have higher body mass readings than their study counterparts. This reinforces the importance of eating foods that are naturally rich in nutrients to maintain good health and a healthy weight. Karen Giles-Smith, registered dietitian with Dairy Council of Michigan offers this advice: “Moms can stock the fridge with great tasting, grab-and-go milk and yogurt beverages, and to be a good role model, enjoy a glass together at least once a day to help their kids get a head start on healthy habits. For picky eaters, flavored milks are a nutritious, great-tasting option.” Visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org for more information on the health benefits of dairy foods. For nutrition tips and easy recipes ideas, visit 3aday.org. ### The National Dairy Council®
was founded in 1915 and conducts nutrition education and nutrition research
programs through national, state and regional Dairy Council organizations, on
behalf of America’s dairy farmers. Source: Fisher JO, et al. Meeting calcium recommendations during middle childhood reflects mother-daughter beverage choices and predicts bone mineral status. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004; 79: 698-706. |
