These days, you’ll find many types of milk powders for growing children in the market. Some of these have ingredients and nutrients that some parents have not been familiar with before. So, what’s the deal with these milk powders and how will parents make an informed choice on which to choose for their child?

All children growing up formulas on the market provide the basic nutrition a healthy child needs regardless premium or non-premium brands. So, if you’re looking for a milk powder for your child, here are some of the important nutrients they should have other than protein and calcium.

Look out for these important nutrients in milk powders

• Protein: Growing kids need protein to help them build and repair cells, enzymes, and hormones, and, as a last resort, to provide energy. Protein found in growing up milk powders also help form new blood cells and body tissues, and they help the nervous system function properly.
• Calcium: Adequate calcium intake for children is important for building strong bones and teeth. children are constantly experiencing new bone growth, hence it’s crucial to ensure that there is enough daily calcium intake Calcium is also needed for maintaining good nerve and muscle function, helping blood to clot, and activating the enzymes that convert food into energy.
• Taurine: Taurine is an important amino acid which helps to improve the effectiveness of heart-muscle contractions. Taurine is also a component of bile acids, which are important for proper fat digestion
• Lutein: Lutein may help protect the functions of the eyes as well as brain. Lutein is found to protect the retina, which is an extension of the brain, by absorbing damaging blue light. It’s also an antioxidant that helps to protect the brain from free radicals.
• DHA & ARA: Little ones undergo rapid brain growth throughout the first few years of life. This is when they’ll have the greatest need for Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA), important nutrients that have been shown to help brain development.
• Probiotics have a long list of health benefits for babies and toddlers, including as an effective colic relief for some babies, reduced risks of eczema and allergies and also to prevent constipation by improving gut health.

Some nutrients may be still showing mixed or inconclusive results in researches, but they generally offer children the nourishment they need from milk. It’s also fine to offer your child non-premium formula milk. If your child has a specific medical condition, allergies, intolerances or poor weight gain, it’s wiser to choose a milk powder according to the advice of your paediatrician or dietitian.

Remember though, that no milk powder should take the place of daily balanced meals with a variety of choices to ensure your child all the nutrients needed for growth during these crucial developmental years.