Low-fat milk message hits lower

By CHARLOTTE WINSTONE

Children as young as 2 should eat low-fat milk and low-fat dairy products to stave off obesity.

Australian health authorities have issued revised dietary guidelines saying children from the age of 2 should consume only low-fat dairy products.

They have revised down the age from 4 and New Zealand authorities agree.

Australian Health Minister Senator Kay Patterson said: "Milk contains most of the nutrients our bodies need but it is also high in saturated fats so for adults, adolescents and children over 2, low-fat milk and yoghurt is recommended."

New Zealand guidelines say saturated fats tend to raise levels of blood cholesterol. They are common in animal fats, coconut and palm oil.

Director of Public Health Dr Colin Tukuitonga recommended parents gradually introduce reduced- and low-fat milk to children after 2.

Many consumers are already opting for lower-fat milk. One of New Zealand's largest milk retailers, Anchor, says 42 per cent of its sales are reduced- or low-fat.

Traditionally, health professionals have been cautious about recommending children be fed low-fat food as they worry parents will be too vigilant. Authorities say children under 2 have high-energy needs and should not be fed low-fat food.

Dietetic Association spokeswoman Lyn Gillanders sounded a note of caution about recommending low-fat dairy products for children under 5. "Children under 5 years do have high-energy needs."