Hi Everyone,

This is the second time in the past week or so I have seen a posting in
regards to children under two needing fat in their diet----the importance
thereof.
 Our first pediatrician said that skim milk  was fine don't worry about
getting whole milk for our oldest daughter.  We have moved quite a few times
since, and our present pediatrician is adament that my 21 month old ( who is
still nursing  and does not drink cow's milk)  should be drinking whole milk.
 I told her that my daughter needed breastmilk for brain growth, and gave her
some references.  My 4 year old son normally stays away from cow's milk.  I
believe he may be headed towards lactose intolerance like his dad.  My oldest
can drink a quart of cow's milk a day, but with the more info. I have
acquired, I am trying to get her off the stuff.
  I have also mentioned at LLL meetings when this  issue comes up that in
mammals, milk is species specific.  Calves require cow's milk for bone and
muscle growth, but cows are pretty dumb.  Human infants need human milk for
brain growth!   As far as getting calcium in the diet, there are other
sources.
 My children do receive fat from other sources.  If children are breastfed,
is it still necessary to have fat in the diet for brain growth?  Also,  what
about the majority of the world's population who are lactose intolerant?
(Bare with me TLCer's for my dairy vent again!)  The dairy industry has done
a good job making people believe that they need cow's milk to survive, and
that those who are lactose intolerant are the minority, when in fact, they
are the majority!
I would appreciate any input on the need for fat in the diet for those under
two years.
Thanks.
Aloha,
Gloria Thai  (who loves cow's milk as much as my oldest daughter does!)