Low fat milk, instead of whole milk, should also be given to those who have a family history of obesity, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease. The age to start the cow's milk is anywhere between 1 and 2 years of age, says the latest guidelines from the clinical report Lipid Screening and Cardiovascular Health in Childhood.
Whole milk was first considered essential for babies that are being weaned up to 2 years of age because the dietary fats are important for their early brain development. However, the recent studies have shown that kids that are given reduced-fat milk developed normally.
Whole milk contains between 3.5 percent and 3.8 percent fat, while reduced-fat milk contains 2 percent fat. However, once the child crosses the age of two years, parents should start giving toddlers whatever milk the rest of the family drinks, even if it means skim (fat-free) milk, researchers says.
The report, which is published in the July issue of Pediatrics is a part of a long list of new recommendations aimed at keeping children's cholesterol levels down to protect their long-term heart health.
