Cholesterol and Whole Milk

I believe that's a recent study. However, so far as I know, the APA says that babies between 1 and 2 should be drinking whole milk. They still NEED the fat. Beyond that, yeah, you can go ahead and lower the fat level of the milk.

She's only 14 months! Let her have the fat. It's more important than worrying about her cholesterol at this stage.

Babies need fat in their diets!!

I heard that report. In the very same report, they were talking about now prescribing cholesterol meds to children as young as 8, which just seems crazy to me.

I think this is really aimed at the people whose kids are obese, not at someone whose child is in the 95th for height and 35th for weight. As long as she is eating a balanced diet, there should be no problem with her drinking whole milk, I wouldn't think.

It was probably an article like this one:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25556140/
Here's a breif excerpt about milk from the article:

"Because obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and often is accompanied by cholesterol problems, the academy recommendations say low-fat milk is appropriate for 1 year-olds "for whom overweight or obesity is a concern."

"Daniels, a pediatrician in the Denver area, agreed that could include virtually all children. But he said doctors may choose to offer the new milk advice only to 1-year-olds who are already overweight or have a family history of heart problems.

"The academy has long recommended against reduced-fat milk for children up to age 2 because saturated fats are needed for brain development."

We used whole milk for our children until age two and only switched then so I wouldn't have to buy two types of milk (I drink 2%). I think more important than what type of milk to give your toddler is keeping them active and limiting junk food, candy, fast food... For example, if your child eats at McDonalds several times a week and gets pizza a few times too, I don't think low fat instead of whole milk is really going to be much help. Eat healthy and be active. Best wishes.

Hi A. - this is really a question for your child's pediatrician. The problem with getting medical advice from news shows is you are getting only broad spectrum snipets of medical information and there is not enough specific information for you to be able to make an informed decision. Just because it was on the news doesn't mean it pertains to your family medical needs. If you think your child may have inherited a tendency for high LDL, then your pediatrician would be the one to determine this.

Best regards,
L.
(mother of two grown sons)

NO ONE needs to be drinking whole milk unless they are grossly underweight and specifically directed to by a doctor.
Plain and simple.

High cholesterol does run in families and 2% milk and lowfat yogurt are fine, even for kids.

My son was premature when he was born 27 years ago and when he switched from the breast and formula to milk, he went directly to 2% milk.

Good Luck -

+B+

Don't believe everything you hear on TV. A lot of it is sensationalism and they are constantly changing their opinion. If you or your husband have high cholesterol then you both need to remedy it. Keep your foods balanced, consume NOTHING that is made from enriched flour, is white or has been altered. It's really not that hard to find food sources like that. Oh and by the way most of the wheat breads in the store are white flour colored with molasses. Read the labels carefully. Avoid all trans fats (anything with partially or fully hydrogenated fats - even if it says trans fat free because the FDA has allowed a minimal amount) and avoid all source of high fructose corn syrup. Check cookies, breads, crackers, etc. Consume a diet that is at least 65% fruits and veggies and LEAN meats and cheeses. Use oils sparingly with the exception of olive oil which is actually a good fat. Eating foods that are cholesterol free or low in cholesterol aren't actually the best route... because the body will manufacture cholesterol to compensate and it won't be the good kind you need.
If you want to give your child cow's milk then go ahead. That's actually another issue in itself, with other sources of calcium being better for her.

Yes I've heard of this, but not with a child as young as yours. I checked and found this article which says you can switch to low fat at age 2. http://pediatrics.about.com/od/milk/i/05_milk_2.htm

The item your husband may have heard was referring to testing cholesterol levels in young children and the Pediatrics Society's new stance on that.
See
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,###-###-##...

I think you are correct in thinking your child needs that fat right now. It is essential for brain development and myelinization of neuro pathways.

I am not sure about the link of childhood milk comsumption to high cholesterol BUT a toddler needs full fat milk till they are 2 years old. The high fat in the milk allows for the proper brain development. If you are seriously considering taking her off whole milk, consult your doc first.

My husband has high cholesterol and we've learned that it really is genetic with not much of a relationship to diet. After years of diet changes with no results, he recently went on statins and his cholesterol count plummeted.

I would say stay with the whole milk if your daughter likes it. People have been drinking whole milk for millennia. At least it's less of a "processed" food than defatted milks. For truly unprocessed milk we drink raw milk, which tastes like an entirely different food than pasteurized milk...some say it tastes like liquid flowers!

I think pediatricians are concerned about childhood obesity and therefore recommend defatted milks at age 2. This seems misdirected advice to me--surely obesity is more likely caused by other foods in the diet or inactivity. The benefits of whole milk (tastiness and less-processed and tested by time) outweigh the risks (cholesterol? unproven--obesity? doubtful) in my opinion.

I'd research that a bit more. I believe the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends whole milk for all children 12-24 months of age (who are not milk allergic). At this age range the children need the fat in milk for brain development. At 2 years of age your pediatrician will have you switch to low fat milk (1% was recommended by our pediatrician because it has the most calcium per fat ratio). The report your husband heard most likely did not study babies under the age of 2.

The article was in the San Jose Mercury this week (sorry I can't remember which day!), You could go online to read it. It did mention whole milk and toddlers, but really the big subject was cholesterol medications for kids. I'd read the article, then ask your daughter's doc. I kept my girls on whole milk until they were 2 yrs old then onto 2% which we all still drink, but we don't have a family history of high cholesterol, so I'd ask the doc. He/she will have the best advice for you situation.
Good luck!

Interesting article posted in the requests.

your husband may want to consider another recent discovery, that lowfat milks are implicated in the development of prostate problems. This report actually recommended never giving males lowfat or skim milks.

Also, here is more information about cholesterol.

Cholesterol and Heart Disease--
A Phony Issue
By Mary Enig, PhD

"The Soft Science of Dietary Fats," by Gary Taubes, in the March 30, 2001 issue of Science,1 exposes the shenanigans of the 1970s McGovern Senate Committee staff and the follow-on by various government agencies that gave us the anti-fat, anti-cholesterol dietary goals and guidelines. This exposé adds to the material in "The Oiling of America"2 by Enig and Fallon and The Cholesterol Myths3 by Ravnskov. Taken together, these works provide substantial food for thought.

Blood cholesterol levels between 200 and 240 mg/dl are normal. These levels have always been normal. In older women, serum cholesterol levels greatly above these numbers are also quite normal, and in fact they have been shown to be associated with longevity. Since 1984, however, in the United States and other parts of the western world, these normal numbers have been treated as if they were an indication of a disease in progress or a potential for disease in the future.

As a result of some of this misinformation, which was purposefully planted by the leadership of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 1984, many hundreds of thousands of people are treated with expensive medications to prevent the development of a non-existent illness. If the medications were only expensive and not life threatening, their use could no doubt be shrugged off as a harmless snake oil pharmaceutical scam; but, in fact, these are thoroughly dangerous medications for both physical and emotional reasons—for physical reasons because their use can lead to serious untreatable diseases such as liver cancer, and for emotional reasons because their use perpetuates the myth that cholesterol is dangerous and evil.

In his book The Cholesterol Myths, Dr. Uffe Ravnskov tells us what happens to an older woman who has normal high serum cholesterol levels. When her blood is tested in a forced cholesterol checkup, the cholesterol myth is used to justify treatment of her nonexistent disease state and she loses her vibrant state of good health.

The official advice to lower serum cholesterol levels has brought about numerous supplements with the attached claim that consuming them will lower cholesterol. This further supports the myth of cholesterol as an undesirable component of body and diet. In fact, the body uses cholesterol to repair and to protect. When improvement to the health of the body brought about by good changes in lifestyle or diet results in a lowering of serum cholesterol, it can be counted as an example of the body no longer needing the extra circulating cholesterol. The repair has been accomplished.

A month after the exposé in Science, the NHLBI responded by lowering its recommended "at risk" cholesterol level and increasing the number of people it wants to put on cholesterol lowering drugs. But there may be hope that the truth will win. Independent thoughtful researchers have continued to point out that there is a real need for correcting the wrong advice given to the public regarding the consumption of dietary fats. New research continues to show that the saturated fats are not a problem, that the trans fatty acids found in partially hydrogenated vegetable fats and oils really are a problem, and that the lack of appropriate balance in the diet of the polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is also a problem. Even the mono-unsaturates have been taken to task by some of the recent research. And lowfat diets are being shown to be counterproductive.

The lesson to be learned from all of this is that the old-fashioned, more saturated fats form the healthy basis of a good quality diet. And a good quality diet can help to produce a state of vibrant good health. Meanwhile, there is no need to worry about your cholesterol levels. This is a phony issue.

The rule for milk is as follows:

<1yo - formula
1-2yo - whole milk
2yo+ - 1% milk

Anything different is to be with the advice of your doctor.

Your daughter is way too little for you to be concerned about cholesterol. Babies do need the extra fat provided by whole milk and once she turns 2 there and begins to eat regular food, she will get everything she needs.

I have not heard of this report, although I know that as a registered dietitian, we recommend whole milk for the second year of life- you are correct that your little one needs the fat and calories of the whole milk. Possibly at 2 yr old you can switch to 2% milk although if she is still thin and a picky eater you may want to keep up with whole milk for a few years. it is good to be aware of familial issues with cholesterol but don't worry too much at this age- watch for other things like meat fat or bacon which are bigger culprits for high cholesterol. Feed and offer a variety of foods, fruits, veggies, whole grains and things that she will eat and you will all be fine

Ask the pediatrician. I would definitely give her whole milk. News piees are often only telling part of a story. They try to say somethign that sounds dramatic so that they can keep your attention, and use words like "may". "Drinking whole milk as a child may lead to high chol." It just means that someoe thinks, at this poit in time, that it MAY.

Don't change anything without a real "expert" telling you to. That's my opinion!

Yes, definitely check with your doctor about your family's pre-disposition. But re: your fears of her not getting enough fat: My 4 year old daughter has always been in the 5th (not 35th, like yours) percentile, and I have always given her and her brother (who's in the 50th%) 2% milk. As was stated by others, there are other ways to get fat into her diet, like cheese and nuts and avocado, to name a few...

You need to do what you think is best, but I have raised three of my children without using whole milk, or much milk in general. There is dairy in so much of what we eat and children get fat from many sources in their diet. If your daughter enjoys yogurt and cheese, she is getting plenty of dairy fat and calcium. My children are healthy, happy and bright and only use milk to put on their cereal. My husband suffers from high cholesterol and has a history of heart disease in his family. We are trying to develop and maintain healthy eating habits for our whole family. The best thing we've done in the past for my hubby is to go vegan. That's hard to stick to but it had the best results. If you offer your daughter healthy foods she will grow up liking those. My oldest became increasingly picky going into her toddler years. She doesn't like most fruits and veggies, but she loves whole beans. If all she eats in beans, broccoli, peas, leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains, she'll have a boring diet but will be essentially healthy (she's decided she doesn't want most meats anymore either). I don't worry about where my kids are on the charts anymore, those standards don't fit every body type. One of my daughters went into the 5th% for weight, but she was perfectly healthy. Her pediatrician wasn't worried because she her own child had the exact same build. Again, do what you feel is best, just remember there are many right ways to feed, love and nurture your child.

According to Dr. Christina Applegate, one of the leading nutrition educators in the country, cholesterol only comes from animal products.

Babies need cholesterol for brain development. I switched one of my daughter over to soymilk because she was sensitive to cow's milk. I can tell you that a critical thinking area in her brain is definitely missing (i.e. gross motor planning). My own parents have been thin people all their lives, but they have high cholesterol now that they are senior citizens. Your baby is still very young.

My daughter sounds just like yours, since mine is tall too. I never gave my daughter the whole milk and she is now almost 7 and completely fine. There are so many other ways for your girl to get the fat she needs. Perhaps she is not eating well because the milk she is drinking is upsetting her stomach...just a thought. so many kids are lactose intolerant, but the parents never notice.

There has even been some reporting on giving cholesterol-lowering drugs to kids as young as 8. If there is real concern then I would consider looking at avocados, to start with, and when she's older she can try nuts. There are tons of nut butters that aren't peanuts, and they're a great source of fiber, good fats, and protein, not to mention tons of micronutrients. But avocado is soft and delicious and full of good fats. Yum.

There was an article in the SF Chronicle this week of new recommendations for children as young as 1 year old to switch to 1% milk if there is a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. Heart disease starts in childhood and a low fat diet is thought to lower the incidence. Talk to your pediatrician and see what other ways your daughter can get the needed calories.

I would talk to your ped about this. I don't think you should be worried about this where your daughter is concerned...she sounds healthy and you are really only supposed to give children whole milk til they are 2. I have a family history of high cholesterol (and I do myself), and I have given both my boys whole milk til age 2 and then 1% or skim since then and they are fine.

Hi A. I've studied cholesterol as to being genetics vs. eating high contents of fat.

Please do not put too much on the issue of your daughters cholesterol as of right now. She is far too young and at this age she needs cholesterol. However, you can check her cholesterol levels when she is due for her physical in the next couple of years. Tell the doctor that it runs in the family. They would be delighted to do a blood draw, for your sake of peace.

Your daughter being active is very good. Especially, as she ages. The more active one is, the healthier your cholesterol levels are;despite it being genetics vs. eating the wrong foods.

hope this helps.

ps
I know first hand also because I tend to run high on my cholesterol come to find out it is genetics. Throughout my childhood years I was raised with certain foods to eat and what not to eat. As years gone by, my cholesterol would raise if I was under extreme stress; divorce, death of love one; new job, new career, school, new baby...etc..so I had to go on medication for a while...soon after it was under control. I stopped taking meds. and switched to Niacin (which naturally lowers cholesterol). Today, I maintain a healthy diet, take niacin and exercise. My cholesterol is at a healthy level.

T.
take care

My daughter (age 15 months) is roughly the same size as your daughter -- tall and lean, only 25th percentile for weight (used to be 95% when first born). She still breastfeeds a little bit, but also likes whole milk. She is super-active and our doctor recommends whole milk until age 2 yrs. My daughter also loves yogurt and cheese, so if she doesn't drink all her milk, I don't worry. I also sometimes add powdered milk to her cereal or smoothies. If the American Association of Pediatrics and most doctors recommend whole milk (until age 2), I think it is fine. I think it is older kids who still drink whole milk rather than lowfat where it can be an issue.

You already have a bunch of responses, but I thought I would add mine too. I also heard thar story. It was acutally about cholesterol medication in young children, but what everyone heard (including me) was that we should be feeding children 2% and not whole milk that has been recommended. It just so happened that I had my daughter's 15 month check up yesterday and spoke to my doctor about it. 2% milk is now being recommended in overweight children under the age of 2. As you know a huge portion of our population is overweight and in trying to fight that problem they have come up with these new recommendations, but for normal weight children (my daughter is in the same range as yours) whole milk is recommended because babies need the extra fats for fast brain development at that age. Could they survive without it? Probably, but it is helpful and it doesn't sound like your daughter needs to worry abut her weight at this point. Hope this helped, talk to you doctor, and he/she could reassure you.

I agree with the other moms, children need the full fat milk for brain development, at least until 2 years old. However, when in doubt, your should definitely ask your peditrician.

If she's not a big eater than give her the whole milk until she's two, then drop it to 1%. Babies need the extra fat for their brains to develop. She's not over weight so your husbands high cholesterol shouldn't be a factor at her age. Talk to your doctor next time your in about dropping her down to 1% or non fat milk see what he suggests.

Hi. The only thing that I heard recently was that they are now saying your child should not be on whole milk but on 2%. Maybe you should talk to your doctor to find out about this whole cholestrol thing.

They did have that story on the morning show and Dr Oz on Oprah was talking about it too.

I'm not familiare with that one but I could understand the thinking. I would talk to your pediatrician. There are lots of good sources of fat for developing brains that are low in cholesterol. My daughter loves avacado and salmon and I add olive oil to some of her veggies.

Hey A. -

The American Pediatric Association recommonds whole milk through age 2, and then switching to low fat milk (1% or 2%).

Babies under 2 need the cholesterol to build brain matter. It is an ESSENTIAL building block for development, so don't switch yet.

Be VERY careful about making decisions based on what you hear on the news or read in the paper. Even though the story may be based on a scientific research study, that does NOT mean that it is good science.

Journalists have a horrible tendency to propagate bad science by reading a short little blurb about something and deciding it's newsworthy. The problem is, most journalists don't know a damn thing about research, and so cannot discern how VALID and STATISTICALLY MEANINGFUL a research study is. Even then, many findings from such research studies is controversial.

Because I've had some training (SOME, not lots) I am continually shocked at what information makes it to the news for the general public, who cannot discern good research practices from bad research practices.

In short, NEVER make a decision about your health based on a single research you heard about in the news. THAT is bad science!

Best,

J.