Patient's question:
Medical Description: Recently, due to issues with Similac formula, we switched to another brand, but he doesn't drink it and his appetite is poor. He has a history of asthma, and I'm wondering if drinking fresh milk will affect him.Past Treatment and Effects: We have tried switching to other formulas, but he doesn't drink them.
Help Needed: I would like to consult on how to prepare fresh milk so that it is sterilized without affecting its nutritional value.
Doctor's answer:
Since fresh milk contains whey protein and casein, it is difficult for very young children to digest, so it is definitely not recommended for babies under six months to drink fresh milk. Children aged 6 months to 3 years should preferably drink formula milk, which contains many nutrients not found in fresh milk, such as trace elements and essential unsaturated fatty acids necessary for infant brain development. After the age of 3, fresh milk can be introduced. The amount of milk to drink mainly depends on the amount of staple food added. Children over one year old should be ensured to drink at least 350 milliliters per day. Unpasteurized fresh milk must be boiled before drinking, while packaged or carton milk has already been pasteurized and can be consumed directly. However, if it is too cold, children's stomachs and intestines may not adapt well, so it is best to warm it up. But milk should not be reheated repeatedly, as this will damage its nutrients.