Health experts warn parents to be cautious about using oat and soy milk for young children, as they may increase the risk of obesity, tooth decay and nutritional deficiencies.
Children under the age of five should not be given plant-based milk alternatives, especially sweetened ones, which often contain a lot of sugar and few essential nutrients, according to new guidance from medical, dental and dietetic specialists in the UK.
"Healthy" but controversial products
These products are often promoted as healthy choices, but experts point out that the marketing can be misleading. In particular, "organic" versions are less fortified with vitamins and minerals important for children's development.
Instead, it is recommended to use sugar-free and fortified plant-based alternatives to avoid excessive sugar intake and to provide necessary micronutrients.
The danger of high sugar
Studies show that some drinks intended for children can contain very high levels of sugar—up to 30 grams in a glass, significantly exceeding the recommended daily limit for young children.
This can lead not only to weight gain, but also to serious dental problems. Doctors report cases where children have needed dental interventions due to high consumption of these products.
The need for information and regulation
Experts are calling for parents to be better informed and for health professionals to actively ask about children's diets. They are also calling for stronger regulation of the marketing and content of products intended for children over one year old.
However, industry representatives emphasize that these products may have a role for families following plant-based diets or for children with lactose intolerance, providing some important nutrients.
In conclusion, specialists emphasize that food choices for children must be made carefully and based on accurate information, to avoid long-term health risks. /GazetaExpress/
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