From the very first moments of a child's life, it is important to provide them with appropriate nourishment. It has a significant impact on their current development and growth, as well as on their future bodily function. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first 6 months of their life. In cases where the mother is unable or unwilling to breastfeed, she must opt for modified milk. How do the available products on the market differ and how can one ensure that the child receives the best nourishment?
What is modified milk for children
Modified milk is a food product specially developed for infants and young children. It consists of cow's or goat's milk, which is modified to make its composition as similar as possible to that of human milk. Unfortunately, it is not possible to create milk that is identical to human milk. For many years, alternatives to breastfeeding were breastfeeding with cow's milk or breastfeeding with milk from women who were not related to the child (who often also served as caregivers). It is important to emphasize that human milk cannot be replaced by regular cow's milk, goat's milk, or plant-based beverages, as these products can overload the digestive system of infants and young children due to the high protein content and high concentration of minerals. The first substitutes for human milk were developed in the mid-19th century and consisted of cow's milk and cereals. These products were high in calories, but they lacked important nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Over the years, they have been improved. Nowadays, there is a wide range of products that meet all the needs of infants and young children.
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