Milk vs sweet drinks: What's better for kids?

MANILA, Philippines - As children grow up, they become more exposed to different food and drinks that may not be healthy for them.

One negative effect of this is some kids might replace a healthy drink such as milk with sweet beverages like powdered fruit juices. They might be refreshing, but nutritionists agree that they may not ensure proper nutrition.

Sweet beverages contain carbohydrates, in the form of sugar, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. 

They may also cause imbalance of calories and nutrients in the system. Their calories are too concentrated — something that studies indicate may lead to childhood obesity.

Powdered fruit juices or fruit-flavored drinks do not have important nutrients as well. Some juice brands only contain a little less than five percent juice, sugar and other additives.

Researchers say that giving kids sweet drinks often helps them develop bad eating habits. Children may replace their consumption of nutritious foods and decrease their appetite for healthy foods, resulting in poor growth.

A child who is trained to drink sweet beverages may be at increased risk of tooth decay, as these contain too much sugar.

Compared to fruit juices, sodas and other types of sweet drinks, milk is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals that growing children need. Fruit juices do not contain a significant amount of important nutrients like protein, vitamin and minerals.

Milk is a good source of protein and calcium needed in building and repairing tissues and making bones and teeth strong and healthy.

Another important health benefit of milk is it has antioxidant nutrients like zinc and vitamin C that help strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases.

Milk also contains vitamin A that aids in visual health. It is also shown to help in the proper functioning of the immune system and enhances the body’s defense against infections.