Toddler Nutrition Truth: Why Plant-Based Milks Fall Short - AI Podcast
May 28, 2025•8 min
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Episode description
Story at-a-glance
- Plant-based milks significantly reduce essential nutrients in toddlers’ diets, even when fortified; research shows calcium, vitamin B2 and B12 levels drop by around 50% when replacing cow's milk in toddlers' diets
- Most pediatric guidelines strongly advise against using plant-based beverages as milk replacements for children under 2 years old due to nutritional inadequacy and other health risks
- Soy milk contains phytoestrogens that alter DNA expression and antinutrients that reduce protein absorption, making it particularly concerning for developing children
- Plant-based milks are ultraprocessed foods that contain additives like gums and emulsifiers, whereas grass fed cow's milk provides unique nutrients linked to reduced disease risks
- Raw, grass fed milk offers living enzymes, beneficial bacteria and immune-supporting compounds that ultraprocessed plant drinks do not provide for growing toddlers
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