Why is milk considered a nutritious drink that everyone consumes at all ages, and why do nutritionists recommend relying on specially fortified milk? Here are some of the most prominent reasons for this:
The body needs proper nutrition that provides it with the nutrients necessary for optimal growth, and children in particular have more nutritional needs than adults, and they are often at risk of micronutrient deficiency, where they begin to recognize different foods and many of them acquire selective and difficult eating habits at an early age.
While non-fortified cow's milk is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein, it contains low levels of some micronutrients important for growth, including iron, which is the most popular micronutrient in the world, and children in the Middle East at school age suffer anemia due to a deficiency Iron.
On the regional level, the problems of deficiency of micronutrients, such as iron, iodine, and vitamins A and D, are common, and vitamin D deficiency tops the list of problems faced by people of all ages.
As for the iodine, which is one of the basic minerals, which plays a major role in supporting cognitive development, its deficiency has today become a global problem affecting more than 50% of school-age children in the region. About 27% of children in the region suffer from a deficiency in vitamin A, which strengthens the immune system.
Consequently, fortified milk can play a fundamental role in bridging the food gaps in children's meals, as it provides micronutrients that address the deficiency and cover the nutritional needs of children in the first grades, and the process of strengthening infant formula with nutrients contributes to providing products that meet their needs according to the age stage, It has dedicated micronutrient content to school-age children to support three major health pillars provided by Nestlé:
Physical growth: by providing high-quality proteins, calcium and vitamin D to support bone and muscle growth.
Support the immune system: by providing vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, such as zinc and vitamins A and C, which enhance the protection of children in their exploration of the world around them.
Cognitive development: by providing children with an iron component that supports mental abilities and cognitive functions, in addition to a variety of B vitamins that help maintain their activity and focus throughout the learning years.
Cow's un fortified milk contains low levels of important micronutrients, including iron.
Vitamin D deficiency tops the list of problems that people of all ages face.