{"id":7073831,"date":"2026-10-03T04:36:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T04:36:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7073831"},"modified":"2026-10-03T04:36:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T04:36:21","slug":"uc-offers-toddlers-free-milk-to-study-health-impacts-of-whole-milk-versus-low-fat-milk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7073831","title":{"rendered":"UC offers toddlers free milk to study health impacts of whole milk versus low-fat milk"},"content":{"rendered":"


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UC offers toddlers free milk to study health impacts of whole milk versus low-fat milk<\/span>
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Pamela S Kan-Rice<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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NPI researcher Ryan Williams measures a toddler\u2019s waist. For 12 months, the scientists will measure each participating child\u2019s height, weight, waist and head circumference. Photo by NPI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nutrition Policy Institute researchers studying which type of milk is best for toddlers<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

Two-year-old children who drink cow\u2019s milk are being sought to participate in a 12-month study<\/a> by UC Nutrition Policy Institute<\/a>, a part of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Milk will be provided for free to participants in Northern California, the San Francisco <\/span>Bay Area and the Central Valley.<\/p>\n

\u201cI enrolled my child in the Milk TOT study because we need more data-driven evidence to help us make informed decisions,\u201d said one participant. \u201cI feel good about my family making this contribution to pediatricians and families \u2013 and we get free milk!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Milk provides children with calcium, protein and vitamin D, which are essential for health and brain development. In the U.S., the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children switch from whole milk to low-fat or nonfat milk after age 2 to reduce their intake of saturated fat and calories. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans have changed. The guidelines \u2013 issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture \u2013emphasize whole milk for children of all ages. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth is that we need more research to understand which milk type is best for young children,\u201d said Kassandra Bacon, NPI project policy analyst. \u201cThe purpose of this UC study is to see how the type of milk toddlers drink affects their health, growth and development.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers with the Nutrition Policy Institute are recruiting children ages 23 to 30 months old. Approximately 500 toddlers will be randomly assigned to drink either whole fat or 1% fat milk starting at age 2. The scientists will assess the toddlers\u2019 diet, health and developmental outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will follow each participant for one year, collecting baseline and follow-up data,\u201d said Ryan Williams, a NPI project policy analyst and registered dietitian who is involved in the research.  <\/span><\/p>\n

For 12 months, the scientists will measure each child\u2019s height, weight, waist and head circumference. They will ask the parents what else the toddlers eat. They also will ask parents to visit a designated lab to check their child\u2019s blood profile \u2013 lipids, cholesterol, insulin resistance and vitamin D \u2013 cognitive development and gut microbiome diversity. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was a bit nervous as toddlers usually did not like the (blood) draws, but the study booked an appointment for me and the process was quick and easy,\u201d said a participating parent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits to participants<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The assigned milk type will be delivered to participants free of charge via a grocery delivery service. Parents will receive advice from a registered dietitian to support healthy milk consumption as part of a balanced diet. Participants will also receive monthly newsletters with general health tips and earn up to $275 in gift cards by completing the study.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been very swift and easy,\u201d said a participating parent in the San Francisco Bay Area. \u201cThe milk comes regularly, and you can even choose a delivery window that works for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Another parent said, \u201cVery simple, easy, and added bonus of having a nutritionist to ask questions to, plus monthly handouts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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To participate, children must be 23 to 30 months old and have public or private medical insurance. Photo from Canva<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Requirements to participate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Participants for the milk study must meet these requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n