Milk for Different Ages

For many people, childhood memories often include being taught to drink milk regularly in order to support physical growth. However, our understanding of “drinking milk” and “the role of milk in health” has continually evolved along with advances in scientific knowledge, nutrition, and the cultural development of human societies. Milk is no longer viewed solely as a beverage for children; rather, it is beneficial for people of all ages, provided that it is consumed in ways that suit the body’s needs at different stages of life.

Milk is a food naturally produced to nourish the young of mammals, including humans. Infants receive most of their nutrients from their mother’s milk during the early stage of life. However, for ancient humans, drinking milk from other animals after infancy was not common. This is because after weaning, the human body reduces the production of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk. As a result, many adults would experience symptoms such as diarrhea or bloating when drinking milk.

Humans first began consuming milk from animals during the Neolithic period (approximately 8,000–10,000 years ago), when animal domestication began. This practice started in early civilizations such as Mesopotamia and the Tibetan civilization, and later spread to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. In the early stages, humans primarily processed milk into cheese and yogurt. In addition to preserving food, fermentation also reduced the amount of lactose, making dairy products easier for adults to digest.

Over time, the human populations in these regions—who had consumed animal milk for many generations and adapted to survive various environmental conditions and diseases—underwent genetic evolution that allowed them to digest lactose throughout their lives. This development marked an important turning point that eventually integrated animal milk into human food culture. Later, milk became one of the staple foods of modern societies, especially after the development of pasteurization, which made milk safer for consumption.

The common perception of milk as a beverage mainly for children and teenagers emerged in the early 20th century. Influential countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom began campaigns encouraging children to drink milk because many countries were facing increasing cases of child malnutrition. Cow’s milk is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for children’s growth, helping to build muscles and strengthen bones. Calcium in milk is also widely known to contribute to increased height in children and to help prevent osteoporosis later in life.

 

Milk and Nutritional Needs at Different Stages of Life

Although milk plays its most prominent role during childhood and adolescence, when the human body grows rapidly, the nutrients in milk can provide benefits for people of all ages. Today, there are also more choices for milk consumption, and nutritional recommendations for each life stage have become clearer.

 

1. Infants (Newborn – 12 months)

Infants should primarily consume breast milk, as it contains nutrients and immune components that can only be obtained from a mother’s milk. It is also well suited to the infant digestive system, which is still developing.

During the first six months, infants should consume only breast milk. After that period, complementary foods can gradually be introduced. Consuming cow’s milk during infancy may cause digestive problems, as certain nutrients may not be balanced for infants, while some components may be present in amounts that the infant body cannot properly handle.

 

2. Childhood (1–12 years)

This is a stage of rapid physical growth. Nutrients from milk play a significant role in the development of muscles and bones, as well as brain development.

Children can still consume whole milk during this stage, as the fat in cow’s milk also supports physical development. However, milk should ideally be plain milk, since excessive sugar intake is not beneficial for children’s health.

Children are generally recommended to consume 1–2 glasses of cow’s milk per day, which can also be substituted with other dairy products such as cheese or yogurt.

 

3. Adolescence (13–19 years)

In addition to the continued development of muscles and bones, adolescence is also a stage marked by significant hormonal development.

Protein from cow’s milk helps support the activity of hormones related to growth, as well as the regulation of insulin, which helps metabolize sugar for energy.

However, adolescents should also be mindful of their fat intake, and low-fat milk can be a good option for this age group. In addition, many adolescents—especially in Asian populations—may begin to experience lactose intolerance, a condition in which the body cannot properly digest lactose in milk. Today, lactose-free milk is widely available and serves as another option for those who wish to continue consuming cow’s milk.

 

4. Adulthood

Although calcium no longer affects height once the body has reached full physical maturity, it still plays an important role in maintaining bone mass and preventing premature bone loss.

Protein remains an essential nutrient that the body must receive daily in order to maintain bodily functions, repair worn tissues, and provide energy for everyday activities. Milk and dairy products can effectively help replenish nutrients that may be lacking in daily diets.

However, it is important to monitor the intake of fat and sugar, and to consider individual digestive tolerance. In addition to lactose-free milk, plant-based milk alternatives have become increasingly popular. Nevertheless, plant-based milk generally does not provide the same nutritional profile as cow’s milk, and additional nutrients may need to be obtained from other food sources.

 

5. Eldery

Old age is a stage in which fat and sugar intake must be monitored most carefully. If milk is consumed, low-fat milk is recommended.

The protein and calcium in milk can help prevent osteoporosis and reduce the loss of muscle mass. Maintaining strong muscles can also help reduce the risk of falls among older adults, which is an important factor in maintaining overall health and independence.