February 5, 2013

Low Fat Milk

Low fat milk are as nutritious as whole milk, but contain much less fat and cholesterol than whole milk. These milks have has some of their fat removed so that milk fat levels are decreased to 2.0 and 1.0% respectively, as noted on the packing. Milk must be pasteurized and homogenized.

A minimum of 8.25% milk solid non fat is necessary, but if it exceeds 10%, then the milk must be labeled ‘protein fortified’ or ‘fortified with protein’. Low fat milk contains 120 calories and 300 milligrams of calcium per 8 ounces.

Consumer interest in lower fat products also resulted in a drastic downward trend in the consumption of whole milk.

Low fat milk are lower in the fat soluble vitamin A and D than whole milk. In United States, they are therefore always fortified with vitamin A (usually in greater quantities than in whole milk) and almost always with vitamin D. Vitamin A present in such quantities that each quart contains 2,000 International Units. 

Children one to two years of age should not be given low fat milk routinely; they need the fat of whole milk. Between the ages two to five years gradual transition from whole milk to the low fat milks can take place but care should be taken to avoid excessive restriction of dietary fat.
Low Fat Milk

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