Doctors discourage Plant-based drinks-Experts say they are not a healthier option for children

Dietitians and pediatricians in Canada discourage parents from using herbal drinks - such as rice, coconut and almond milk - as the main drink for infants and young children.

Dr. Catherine Pound of the Canadian Pediatric Society said Wednesday that some herbal drinks are not fortified with minerals or vitamins and often contain sugar as a second ingredient after water.

"The health movement is pushing for people to think or feel that plant-based nutrition is better than meat-based nutrition, which may be true in adulthood where we recommend that you stop eating. meat very frequently, but it's not the same for kids who need protein, "says Pound.

"We see well-intentioned parents switching to an herbal drink for their children, thinking of doing a good thing while still maintaining important nutrients and proteins."

Children ages two to eight need 13 to 19 grams of protein a day, which can be consumed with two cups of cow's milk or two cups of fortified soy beverage.

Meanwhile, almond, coconut or rice beverages contain little or no protein and would also require children to eat two servings of child-sized meat or two half-servings of meat. a cup of lentils. Almond drinks contain about four almonds per cup.

Experts say the best foods for growing children are fresh, unprocessed whole fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, dairy products, and meats.

And while many adults avoid fats, they are a valuable nutrient for young children, says Pound.

"Fat is extremely important for a child or toddler because it certainly contributes to brain growth," she says.

"We do not want to limit fat at all during the first two years of life."

According to Pound, in case of allergy or other problems, parents should consult a dietician.

The joint statement with Dietitians of Canada also warned that over-drinking herbal drinks can displace hunger and cause children to eat less food.

Whenever possible, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and continued for at least two years with appropriate complementary feeding. Otherwise, babies can drink formula or pasteurized milk from selected donors.

Cow's milk is not recommended until 9-12 months of age. Whole homogenized cow's milk is then recommended to children up to two years of age.