To low-fat or go full fat? Research settles the age-old milk debate

Answering a question that has puzzled many parents, new study probes into the nutritional difference between whole and low-fat milk.

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study claims that whole-fat milk is just as healthy for kids as low-fat. A randomised trial of 49 children aged four to six years assessed each child’s obesity, body composition, blood pressure, and blood biomarkers. The researchers found that, overall, there was no significant difference observed in both groups’ cardiovascular health and obesity.

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In a media release, the lead author explained that it was earlier believed that young children would benefit from low-fat dairy products due to the lower levels of saturated fats and lower density of energy in them. However, the findings suggest that healthy children may safely consume whole-fat dairy without fear of increased obesity or adverse cardiometabolic effects.

Al in all, parents should feel free to let children consume dairy according to their individual preference, concluded the research.

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