From the Guidelines
A 15-month-old child should drink no more than 24 ounces of cow's milk per day, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. This recommendation is crucial to prevent iron deficiency anemia, which can occur if the child consumes too much milk and displaces iron-rich foods from their diet. At 15 months, milk is still an essential source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, but it should not be the primary source of nutrition, as solid foods should now play a more significant role in the child's diet. Key considerations include:
- Offering whole milk, rather than reduced-fat, to support brain development in children under 2 years
- Serving milk in a cup, rather than a bottle, at mealtimes to promote healthy eating habits
- Ensuring the child consumes a variety of solid foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein sources, to meet their growing nutritional needs, as outlined in the dietary recommendations for children and adolescents 1 and pediatric health guidelines 1. It is essential to balance milk consumption with the introduction of solid foods to prevent excessive milk intake, which can lead to nutritional imbalances and health issues. The American Heart Association's dietary recommendations for children and adolescents also emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups, including dairy, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains 1. Additionally, the pediatric health guidelines from 0 to 18 years old provide a comprehensive outline of dietary intake, sleep, physical activity, and screen time recommendations for children at different ages, including toddlers like the 15-month-old child in question 1.
From the Research
Lactose Intolerance and Milk Consumption
- The provided studies do not specify the amount of milk a 15-month-old should drink, as they primarily focus on lactose intolerance in adults and its management 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is essential to note that lactose intolerance is caused by the inability of the body to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk, due to a lack or inefficiency of the enzyme lactase 2, 5.
- The studies suggest that individuals with lactose intolerance can consume moderate quantities of milk products without symptoms, but many people who perceive themselves as lactose intolerant limit or avoid milk products, potentially compromising calcium and vitamin D intakes 3, 4, 6.
Alternative Sources of Calcium
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, alternative sources of calcium can be found in plant-based beverages, such as soy milk, which has a comparable calcium content to bovine milk 2.
- Other sources of calcium include fortified plant-based beverages, mineral water with calcium, and certain vegetables 3.
- It is crucial to ensure adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis and other health-related issues 3, 4, 5, 6.
Dietary Management
- The studies emphasize the importance of proper dietary management for individuals with lactose intolerance, including the consumption of low-lactose or lactose-free milk and bacterially fermented dairy products 3, 6.
- Additionally, the use of exogenous enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics can help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance 5, 6.