Real Dairy Milk Does a Child's Brain and Body Good
The Dairy Alliance shares the benefits of milk for childhood development
ATLANTA -- As children start going back to school, The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is spotlighting dairy milk as a powerful resource for growing minds and bodies. Packed with nutrients, real dairy milk makes the grade for keeping kids fueled for life in and out of their studies. It's also the head of the class when it comes to hydration compared to sports drinks and even water.
"Most parents want to give their children the best head start possible to reach their fullest potential, and dairy milk is a key player in building strong brains, bones, and bodies," said Geri Berdak, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. "Dietary guidelines suggest three dairy servings a day for young school-aged children, and this can come in a variety of forms from milk, yogurt, cheese, and more. By developing healthy habits in childhood, we can help children lay a solid foundation that can support them throughout their lives."
During the first 1,000 days of a child's life, from being in the womb and throughout toddlerhood, children experience the most rapid brain growth than at any other time in their lives. This key growth period requires high-quality nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized 14 key nutrients that affect early brain development, and dairy foods provide seven of those nutrients including iodine, vitamin B12, and choline.
"In addition to brain health, we need to consider bone health for children. The more bone mass created during childhood and adolescence, the greater the chance our children have at preventing osteoporosis and related injuries later in their lives," said Laura Buxenbaum, MPH, RD, LDN, Senior Director, Health & Wellness at The Dairy Alliance. "You can help build your child's 'bone bank' by investing in good nutrition now, for strong bones in the future. Dairy foods, like milk, yogurt, and cheese, provide more bone-building nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, protein, and phosphorus, than any other food group."
For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @TheDairyAlliance
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About The Dairy Alliance
The Dairy Alliance is a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast. We work diligently with dairy farmers, schools, sports teams, health professionals, local organizations, state leaders, the media, and the public to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry. Our efforts center in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.