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Encouraging your children to drink milk at school is a smart tactic for
boosting their calcium and protein nutrition. A December article in the Journal
of the American Dietetic Association (JADA) says milk provides more calcium and
protein per penny compared to any other foods served on school lunch menus.
Researchers at Kansas State University examined the nutritional benefits of
five meal components of school lunches in two school districts: an entree,
milk, vegetable/fruits, grain/bread, and condiments. Nutritional analysis of
the foods was compared to the costs of the food items. The results revealed
that milk contributed the most calcium and protein per 100 calories and per
penny.
Rachel Johnson, Ph.D., Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The
University of Vermont, said: "I have found through my past research that
children who have milk with their meal get more nutrients and increase their
calcium intake compared to those who don't." Johnson concludes that missing out
on milk's nutrient package during key bone building years could put children at
risk for developing osteoporosis later in life.
Also recommended are flavored milks, such as chocolate, strawberry or banana,
since they contain all the same nutrients as regular milk and have half the
amount of added sugar found in soft drinks and many juice drinks. And of
course, yogurt is another superior source of calcium for children.
Ann Marie Krautheim, registered dietitian for the National Dairy Council, adds:
"Not only does milk provide calcium and protein, but it also offers seven other
essential nutrients including vitamins A, B-12 and D, potassium, riboflavin,
niacin and phosphorus."
For a free brochure highlighting flavored milk titled "Got Chocolate Milk?"
visit www.whymilk.com.
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