Young children today have very demanding schedules, with back-to-back classes as well as extra-curricular activities. Mid-morning school breaks are positioned between 10 and 11 am which is the perfect time for a nutritious snack to replenish children’s mental and physical energy so they can perform at their best for the rest of the day.
Nutritious school snack examples include sandwiches with a healthy protein source (chicken, hunter beef, or eggs), fruit, and milk.
In developed countries such as the USA, UK, China, EU, and Turkey, milk is given to school children during their breaks by the government or through school programs.
Milk is an easy and complete food source that is rich in various nutrients and helps fulfill children’s daily nutritional requirements.
Milk is rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are essential in helping children maintain strong bones and teeth, and one of the best sources of calcium and vitamin D are dairy products.
In Pakistan, vitamin D deficiency in children is very high. Since this vitamin is an essential nutrient for the maintenance of skeletal muscle and bone health, it is essential to keep levels in check.
Protein also helps children build and maintain lean muscle mass. Studies show that milk proteins help children grow taller.
Regular milk intake may thus translate into better performance in physical activities and sports in school.
Milk contains vitamin A
Essential for a healthy immune system in children, vitamin A ensures children’s immune system remains strong which means fewer sick days and school absences.
Milk is rich in B vitamins necessary for energy production
B vitamins are needed to help cells make energy. In particular, vitamin B12 plays an important role in brain development and brain function. This can translate into improved focus and concentration resulting in improved academic performance.
Various types of research conducted amongst school children around the world support these facts.
The National Institution of Nutrition in Vietnam conducted research on the impact of fortified milk consumption on primary school children. They found that those children who consumed fortified milk daily showed more improvements in short-term memory, better learning indicators, and improved weight and height compared to children who did not drink fortified milk regularly.
Another study by Rahmani et al. (2011) conducted on school children in Iran also found that having one serving of milk daily at school had beneficial effects on children’s mental and physical function, as well as school performance.
