Dairy Management Inc. said on May 14 that drinking milk may support children and adolescents in reaching their height potential by providing nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein that help build and maintain strong bones.
This information is relevant for parents and caregivers who are interested in supporting healthy growth patterns during periods of rapid development. The organization highlighted that while genetics play a major role in determining height, nutrition and lifestyle factors can influence whether a child reaches their full growth potential.
“Yes, drinking milk may support reaching your height potential by providing key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein that help build and maintain strong bones during childhood and adolescence,” Dairy Management Inc. said. The group explained that DNA is a primary determinant of height but added that hormones, medical conditions, sleep, physical activity, nutrition also affect growth.
According to the statement from Dairy Management Inc., proper nutrition from early childhood into the teen years is important because peak bone mass is reached by age 20. They noted: “Getting enough key nutrients during childhood and adolescence supports healthy growth patterns, especially during periods of rapid development when bones and muscles are forming and lengthening.” Protein was identified as essential for building muscle at any age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends two to three servings of dairy foods—such as milk, cheese or yogurt—per day for children to build strong bones. Milk can be incorporated into meals or snacks throughout the day using various methods including smoothies or poured over cereal.
Dairy Management Inc. concluded: “Making milk a regular part of a healthy eating pattern can not only supports growth, but drinking milk during childhood can also help build healthy habits for lifelong health.”
