Making sure that your child eats well everyday is one of your priorities as a mom, and including protein in their diet is vital. After all, protein is often referred to as the “building block” of every cell in the human body.
One of the most important roles of protein is to build bones, muscles, skin, blood, and cartilage. But, with just about anything, minding the quality and quantity is key.
Regular protein found in cow milk is characterized as “intact” or whole in form. A study* shows that this type of protein may increase the risk for allergies in early childhood. How?
It can be allergenic.
Allergies happen when the body overreacts to a harmless substance just like protein. Proteins from dairy, predominantly casein, are big proteins that may be difficult for your child’s body to digest. And when milk protein is absorbed in its undigested form, it may be recognized by the body as a foreign substance or an allergen.
A possible option to avoid allergies is to give milk with small-sized whey proteins known as partially hydrolyzed whey proteins. These are proteins broken down into smaller pieces, which are easier to digest and less allergenic.
Now, what happens if ever your child gets too much protein?
It can lead to future obesity.
The number of obese children has been steadily on the rise, not just in the Philippines, but worldwide.
According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), obese children are likely to stay that way as adults.
Obesity is a significant risk factor in developing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Studies** have shown that protein, not carbohydrate and fat, is a major factor contributing to childhood obesity. Children do not need too much protein, yet there are several milk drinks that provide more protein than what children really need for their growth and development.
It’s about finding the right kind of milk
The right growing up milk for your child is one that was designed with his needs in mind. NESTLÉ NANKID® OPTIPRO® HW FOUR contains optimized protein. This means high quality protein delivered at a lower quantity, optimal for your child’s growth, development and digestion – per glass that he drinks. The optimized protein found in NESTLÉ NANKID® OPTIPRO® HW FOUR is made with 100% partially hydrolyzed whey (what HW stands for), which are known for their reduced allergenicity and are easier for kids to digest.
The lower quantity protein in NESTLÉ NANKID® OPTIPRO® HW FOUR also reduces the risk of an excessive intake of protein, which in turn reduces the risk of obesity. Now you can support your child’s age-appropriate weight gain and development advantage through optimal protein intake, while protecting against allergies and providing good digestion.
It’s also made with no added sugars, contains DHA, an essential nutrient found in the brain, and has Bifidus BL probiotics to help maintain your child’s digestive health.
If allergies are not a concern, you may opt for NESTLÉ NANKID® OPTIPRO® FOUR, which also contains optimized protein. Choosing optimized protein helps deliver optimal weight and development advantage and may help reduce the risk of obesity.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to what’s best for your child. Choosing the right pre-school milk will not just ensure his proper development right now, but will also serve as a foundation for his future health.
Disclaimer: NANKID® OPTIPRO® HW FOUR and NANKID® OPTIPRO® FOUR are not breastmilk substitutes, but are milk drinks specially suited for healthy children above 3 years of age.
*Clemens RA, Hernell O, Michaelsen KF (eds): Milk and Milk Products in Human Nutrition. Nestlé Nutr Inst Workshop Ser Pediatr Program, vol 67, p 34, Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG, Besel, 2011
**Rolland-Cachera et al 1995, Scaglioni S, Agostini C, 2000, Parizkova J, 1997, Hoppe C, 2004
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