Which Milk during the Second Year of Life: A Personalized Choice for a Healthy Future?

Elvira Verduci,Giulia Fiore,Elisabetta Di Profio,Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti,Alessandra Bosetti,Lorenzo Scatigno,Antonio Corsello

doi:10.3390/nu13103412

Abstract

Nutrition in early life is a crucial element to provide all essential substrates for growth. Although this statement may appear obvious, several studies have shown how the intake of micro and macronutrients in toddlers differs a lot from the recommendations of scientific societies. Protein intake often exceeds the recommended amount, while the intake of iron and zinc is frequently insufficient, as well as Vitamin D. Nutritional errors in the first years of life can negatively impact the health of the child in the long term. To date, no clear evidence on which milk is suggested during the second year of life is yet to be established. In this study, we compare the nutrient profiles of cow’s milk and specific formulas as well as nutritional risks in toddlers linked to growth and childhood obesity development. The purpose of this review is to resume the latest clinical studies on toddlers fed with cow’s milk or young children formula (YCF), and the potential risks or benefits in the short and long term.

Highlights

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According to the Dietary Reference Values (DRV) of European Food Safety Authority [2], the energy requirements between 1 and 3 years of life vary according to sex and percentile of physical activity levels (PAL)
Attention should be paid to the total protein intake during the beginning of life, when protein reference intake is estimated at 1.14–0.90 gr/kg/day for children aged 1–3 years [2]

Summary

Nutritional Requirements during the Second Year of Life

When reaching the age of 12 months, children are usually referred to as toddlers. Attention should be paid to the total protein intake during the beginning of life, when protein reference intake is estimated at 1.14–0.90 gr/kg/day for children aged 1–3 years [2]. Fat intake should not be limited before the 12 months of age, due to its importance in the neurologic development [3]. Between 1 and 3 years of age, fat recommended intakes are 35–40% of total daily energy intake (%En). Iron deficiency anemia in toddlers can be prevented by ensuring adequate iron intake during the first years of life, the daily recommended iron intake is 7 mg for toddlers [2]

Type of Cow’s Milks and Growing-Up Milk

Micronutrient Deficiencies

Findings

Conclusions