New Study Shows Children Benefit From Drinking Chocolate/Flavored Milk

Flavored milk not only tastes great, but it also adds a nutritional boost to kids' diets, according to a new study released in the April 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Kids and teens who drank flavored milk (with or without white) consumed more nutrients, without consuming greater amounts of added sugar, and had lower or comparable BMIs (body mass index – a measure of body fatness) compared to kids who didn’t drink milk, according to the study.

“Milk contains many nutrients that are important for children. We learned in our research that children who drink milk, including plain and flavored milk, have higher intakes of many nutrients that are low in children’s diets, and comparable or lower BMIs (Body Mass Index) compared to children who don’t drink milk,” said Mary Murphy, MS, RD, co-author of the study. “Limiting access to flavored milks in schools and elsewhere may have the undesirable effect of further reducing intakes of many essential nutrients provided by milk.”

Researchers compared nutrient intakes and BMIs among 7,557 U.S. children and adolescents ages 2-18 years drinking flavored milk (with or without white milk), exclusively plain milk and no milk. Results showed milk drinkers (flavored and white milk) had significantly higher intakes of vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium than non-milk drinkers.

In addition, BMI measures of milk drinkers were comparable to or lower than measures of non-milk drinkers. Intake of added sugars did not differ between flavored milk drinkers and non-milk drinkers. Among females 12-18 years of age, average calcium intakes by flavored milk drinkers and exclusively plain milk drinkers were nearly double the calcium intakes of non-milk drinkers.

Experts recommend at least three servings of lowfat or fat free milk or milk products for kids and teens and two servings for kids younger than age nine. According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, small amounts of sugars added to nutrient-rich foods, such as lowfat and fat free milk products, may increase a person’s intake of such foods by enhancing the taste of these products, thus improving nutrient intake without contributing excessive calories.

Source: Murphy MM, Douglass JS, Johnson RK, Spence LA. Drinking flavored or plain milk is positively associated with nutrient intake and is not associated with adverse effects on weight status in U.S. children and adolescents. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2008; 108: 631-639.

General Milk Nutrition Facts

How does milk stack up?
See how various beverages compare to milk for calories, total fat, carbs, sugars and nutrients, and you’ll learn why milk is a superior beverage choice.



You can download our "Think Your Drink" comparative chart. Click here.

Why milk?
We all know that the calcium in milk helps build strong bones, but milk is loaded with eight other essential vitamins and minerals.

• Calcium: Helps build and maintain strong bones. It's also vital for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

• Protein: Important for a number of bodily functions – vital to brain development and the growth of body tissues.

• Vitamin A: Maintains normal vision and skin. Helps regulate cell growth and integrity of the immune system.

• Vitamin B-12: Essential for the growth and health of the nervous system. Linked to normal activity of folic acid and is involved in blood formation.

• Vitamin D: Promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and influences bone mineralization, the strengthening of bones.

• Potassium: Regulates the body's fluid balance and blood pressure. It also is needed for muscle activity and contractions.

• Phosphorus: Helps generate energy in the body's cells and influences bone mineralization, the strengthening of bones.

• Niacin: Keeps enzymes functioning normally and helps the body process sugars and fatty acids. It is also important for the development of the nervous system.

• Riboflavin: Helps produce energy in the body's cells and plays a vital role in the development of the nervous system.

Just for Kids

Kids Benefit When Flavored Dairy Products Replace Sodas and Fruit Drinks
A study published in the January 2004 issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health showed a positive effect on children's diets when they choose flavored milks and yogurts instead of sodas and sweetened drinks. The study found that children ages 6-17 who consumed more than 6-8 ounces of flavored dairy products, such as milks, yogurts, ice creams and puddings, each day had better diets than those who regularly drank sodas and sweetened fruit drinks.
Frary, C.D. et al. Journal of Adolescent Health. 2004; 34:56-63.

Flavored Milk Drinkers More Likely to Meet Calcium Requirements
A study out of the University of Vermont found that children who drank flavored milk were more likely to meet their daily calcium requirements compared to their peers. The flavored milk drinkers consumed more calcium, without increasing their total added sugar or fat intake. Children and teens who drank flavored milk consumed more milk overall.
-- get all the latest about Flavored Milk Download this great-looking, easy to read PDF that provides an overview of studies documenting the nutritional contributions of flavored milk and the current evidence to support its role in children’s diets.

Download PDF

Johnson, R.K. et al. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2002; 102:853-56.

School Milk Benefits Kids' Overall Nutrition
School vending is a very important way to deliver milk and calcium to kids and teens.

Studies demonstrate that when children drink milk at lunch, they have a higher intake of several critical nutrients, including calcium, zinc and vitamin A. In one study, only those children drinking milk at lunch were able to meet their daily calcium requirement.
Johnson, R.K. et al. Journal of Child Nutrition and Management. 1998; 2:95.

Why Milk Matters Now
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says kids should be drinking more milk, more often. To learn more about their program called "Why Milk Matters Now," click here.