READER’S QUESTION
Do you believe in giving kids chocolate milk? My daughter won’t drink regular milk, and she’s not a big eater. It’s a constant that helps her get protein and vitamins, though a lot of sugar, too. I usually let her have two 8 oz. glasses a day. What should I do?
DR. BLUM’S ANSWER
I think chocolate milk is great. Milk is a very nutritious food and for children who are not big eaters it can be a good source of protein and is a great source of calcium and Vitamin D. As far as the chocolate part goes, don’t worry so much. Most chocolate milk is made with low fat milk so the fat is not an issue. The sugar in the chocolate is not really a problem for most children, especially if they get enough exercise. If you make your own chocolate milk it is usually even healthier because you could use skim milk for the lowest fat content and add a lot less chocolate than they do in the store bought milk. It will still be delicious and nutritious. Let you child enjoy the milk and keep trying to get her to eat additional other foods.
Dr. Robert M. Blum is a pediatrician at Southfield Pediatrics in Bingham Farms and West Bloomfield.
