So-called toddler milks are unregulated and unnecessary, a major pediatrician group says

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Category: Education/Family

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. toddler / ˈtɒd lər / (n.) – a young child, especially one who is learning or has just learned how to walk
    Example:

    The parents cheer as their toddler tries to walk on his own.


  2. nutritionally / nʊˈtrɪʃ ən əl i / (adv.) – in a way that is related to how healthy food is and how it affects the body
    Example:

    The doctor recommended eating nutritionally rich snacks like yogurt and fruits.


  3. unproven / ʌnˈpru vən / (adj.) – not yet proven or not shown to be true, good, or useful with enough evidence
    Example:

    She doesn’t want to believe in unproven statements about life from other planets.


  4. fortified / ˈfɔr təˌfaɪd / (adj.) – made to be better by adding special ingredients, often to improve its nutrition or other qualities
    Example:

    The child eats fortified cereal for breakfast, so she has enough energy and strength for the day.


  5. replacement / rɪˈpleɪs mənt / (n.) – a thing or person that takes the place of something or someone else
    Example:

    Nina bought a new phone as a replacement for her old one.


Article

Read the text below.

Powdered drink mixes that are widely promoted as “toddler milks” for older babies and children up to age 3 are unregulated, unnecessary, and “nutritionally incomplete,” the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned October 20.


The drinks, which are touted to parents on TikTok, in television ads, and on other sites, often contain added sugar and salt. The manufacturers make unproven claims that the drinks boost kids’ brains or immune systems, said Dr. George Fuchs, a member of the AAP’s nutrition committee, which released the new report.


Formula industry officials said the toddler drinks could be useful for filling “nutrition gaps” in kids’ diets. But Fuchs said older babies and toddlers should be given a balanced diet of solid foods, as well as breast milk, fortified whole cow’s milk, and water after age 1.


Infant formula is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and must meet certain nutrition requirements as a replacement for human milk for babies up to 12 months. The facilities where infant formula is made are regularly inspected.


There are no federal regulations governing milk drink mixes for older babies and toddlers. Also, toddler drinks are different than medical formulas prescribed for specific conditions, such as heart disease or problems digesting certain foods.


Why are health experts concerned? Fuchs and other experts point to the lack of common standards for toddler milks, which means the ingredients vary widely among brands. Most contain added sugar and are targeted toward children who are at the age when they could develop a lasting taste for sweets, possibly leading to obesity and other diseases.


“It could be called the gateway sugary drink,” said Frances Fleming-Milici, director of marketing initiatives and a research professor with the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health at the University of Connecticut.


Toddler milks are widely advertised, and sales have soared in recent years, from $39 million in 2006 to $92 million in 2015, according to a 2020 study. Fleming-Milici said companies promote these products in a way that may lead parents to believe the drinks are nutritionally necessary. “They look a lot like infant formula,” she said. “Parents really trust the formula they use for their children.”


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • What do you think should be done to companies that sell toddler drinks (ex. remove their products from the market, be required to change their formula to a healthier one)? Discuss.
  • How important are product awareness and personal research for parents when buying products, especially for their kids? What do you think should be considered when buying products for kids (ex. doctor’s recommendation, other buyers’ product reviews)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • In the digital age, we have easy access to a lot of information, but this also means exposure to countless online advertisements. How do you think consumers’ behavior has changed based on this? Are they wiser or more impulsive in their purchases? Why? Discuss.
  • How would you describe your behavior as a consumer? What influences your decision-making when buying products (ex. today’s trend, product’s price)? Discuss.