There are many types of milk sold in the market. Starting from fresh cow's milk, milk powder, UHT milk, skim milk, sweetened thick "milk", and much more. Now of all types of milk, where is the best milk for children?
Although both cow's milk, not all types of milk are the same
Although originating from the same source, not all cow's milk has the same content and intended use. In fact, some types of milk may not even be given to children who are still in the growth stage, because the nutritional content is very small.
For that, you need to recognize the types of milk that are commonly on the market like the following.
1. Whole milk
Whole milk milk contains at least 3.25% milk fat and 8.25% not solid fat. At least 50% of the calorie intake from this milk comes from fat.
2. Low-fat milk
From its name it has been seen that this type of milk contains less fat than whole milk milk. Low-fat milk contains 0.5-1.5% milk fat and can provide 23% of calories from fat for your body.
3. Skim milk or nonfat milk
Although claimed to be nonfat or fat-free milk, in fact skim milk still contains fat even though the amount is very small.
The process of making skim milk involves removing as much fat as possible so that it leaves no more than 0.5% milk fat. The fat in skim milk only accounts for 5% of calories, while the total calories it has are only about half of the total calories of whole milk.
4. Evaporation milk
Evaporated milk is made by removing about 60% of the water in milk. Milk is then homogenized, enriched with vitamin D and vitamin A. Evaporation milk is available in the form of whole milk, low-fat milk, and skim milk.
5. Sweet condensed milk
Sweetened condensed milk is milk through the process of condensation to eliminate half the volume of the liquid to become thick. Sweetened condensed milk is intentionally added in large amounts of sugar which functions as a preservative. In addition, it generally has a low protein content.
6. UHT milk (ultra high temperature)
UHT milk is processed at very high temperatures to turn off various foreign microorganisms in milk and extend shelf life.
7. Milk powder
Powdered milk is made by steaming liquid milk so that the water content is completely gone and becomes powder granules. In one tablespoon of nonfat milk powder generally contains 27 calories, 94 mg of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
After seeing all types of milk available on the market, do not arbitrarily choose milk for children. Why? Because milk has an important role for the growth of children. Milk can help meet the nutrients needed by children in their infancy. Therefore, it is important for you to choose milk that contains enough nutrients.
Then, what kind of milk for children is the best?
Choose milk growth (usually in the form of formula milk powder) which is specifically for children, according to age. This growth milk is intentionally designed to help fulfill the nutrition needed by children. No wonder if this milk also contains a lot of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that are needed by children.
Adjust also to the condition of the child. Some children may be suitable for any type of milk and some other children may not be suitable given cow milk-based formula. Well, for children who can't drink cow's milk, you can give them soy milk or milk that contains a little cow's milk protein.
What about UHT milk and sweetened condensed milk? Because the presentation is easier and tastes good too, some children may prefer to be given the milk. However, for children who are in their infancy, especially toddlers, UHT and SMK milk are still unable to meet their nutritional needs. Both milk contains more sugar than its important nutrients. It should not be given, but it's best not too often.