Health Benefits of Milk for Infants and Young Children

 

The Health Benefits of Milk in the lives of infants and young children cannot be overemphasized. Breast milk is the preferred food for infants, as it is well-tolerated while their digestive tracts develop and mature. 

Milk has always been a part of human life from the time of birth even to old age. Infants and young children require milk in their daily diet for optimum growth and development.

Milk is a white liquid food produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for young mammals (including breastfed human infants) before they can digest solid food. Immune factors and immune-modulating components in milk contribute to milk immunity.

Components of milk

Milk is nutritious, versatile, delicious, and relatively easy to obtain. The Health Benefits of Milk solely depend on the source, we have Breast Milk (which comprises colostrum and real milk) and formula and dairy products (which are mostly gotten from animals such as cows, buffalos, donkeys, goats, and some other milk-producing mammals). 

Some studies show some formulas have almost the same components as breast milk, but here we are going to elaborate on that. 

Human Milk

Human Milk consists of colostrum and real milk.

Colostrum 

This is the first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth, packed with antibodies supplements that help the baby fight infection before the maturation of natural antibodies. 

Colostrum comes before the production of true milk or breast milk. It is slightly yellowish in color. The health benefits of colostrum are top-notch compared to the others.  This unique content is rich in the following nutrients.

• secretory IgA,
• sodium,
• potassium, chloride,
•  zinc,
• carotenoids,
• protein,
• vitamins A and E

All these are important disease-fighting proteins produced by the immune system that attack and kill microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses.

Benefits of colostrum; It has a lot of benefits which include the following.

• Gastrointestinal protection, colostrum may help protect the gastrointestinal tract from damage and may help it to heal from chronic conditions, such as colitis. 
• Improved physical performance, and 
• Flu prevention.
• One study shows colostrum may help to prevent damage from long-term NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) use.

• Colostrum may also help to improve physical performance and help build lean body mass.

Some of the reasons colostrum is beneficial to the health of colostrum is the fact that it is low in the following.

• lactose
• fat
• water
• water-soluble vitamins

 Real Milk or Human Breast Milk (HBM)

Milk is the liquid secreted by the mammary glands of females to nourish their young for a period beginning immediately after birth. 

This plays a very important role in the infant's growth and development as soon as the child is born. It provides nutrients that are essential for the child to survive in early life.

Recently, different components of breast milk and their important functions have been researched based on their various analytical and technical developments.

 

Generally, the following are the contents of Human Breast Milk which has very significant health benefits for infants and young children. 

• about 87%-88% water, 
• 124- g/L solid components as macronutrients, 
• 7% (60-70 g/L) carbohydrates 
• 1% (8-10 g/L) protein, 
• and 3.8% (35-40 g/L) fat.

Note- Maternal diet and environmental factors can influence these compositions of human breast milk.

 The other contents of human breast milk among others include.

• Iron
• Calcium
• magnesium
• Potassium
• Minerals
• Phosphorous
• Vitamin A, D, E, K
• B vitamins
• Lipids
• Enzymes
• Fat 
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Choline
• Magnesium
• Selenium

 Some Contents of Milk and their Benefits for Young Children

Milk is one of the healthiest beverages for children and an excellent source of calcium and other essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. 

It is important to give your children milk even if you have to run around to get them to drink it because their body requires its numerous health benefits and high nutritional contents. 

Here we are going to talk about the overall health benefits of some of the contents of milk and their importance in the lives of children.

Calcium

This plays a very important role in the growth and development of young children in fortifying the bones, thereby improving growth.

Vitamins and Minerals

These Vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, C, and K provide nourishment to the skin and the overall health of your child.

Carbohydrates

This when digested is converted into glucose which supplies the body with the maximum energy it needs to function.

Milk has a lot of health benefits for the young. Not only does milk give young children strong and healthy bones, but they also support overall growth and development. A glass of milk every day will also help your kids maintain overall good health.

The calcium content in milk helps the bone fight against bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

• It keeps bones and teeth healthy and strong thereby preventing bone loss.
• It helps to maintain a healthy weight, thereby preventing childhood obesity.
• calcium, when taken in the recommended daily amount helps in blood clotting. 
• Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
• It helps release hormones from your kid’s body.
• It strengthens your child’s muscles.

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