No differences in growth or body composition from age 12 to 24 months between toddlers consuming 2% milk and toddlers consuming whole milk.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether consumption of 2% milk during the second year of life leads to reduced growth or lower percentage body fat compared with consumption of whole milk.

SUBJECTS

Subjects were healthy toddlers who participated in a larger trial examining the effects of the timing of introduction of solid foods on growth.

DESIGN

Three-day diet diaries, anthropometric measurements, and body composition determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were assessed at 12, 18, and 24 months of age. At age 12 months, the toddlers were similar in length, weight, percentage body fat, and total energy intake. From 12 to 24 months of age, milk consumption consisted of whole milk exclusively in one group (n = 23) and 2% milk exclusively in another group (n = 28).

STATISTICAL ANALYSES

Differences between the 2 groups in anthropometric measurements, changes in anthropometric measurements, and dietary intakes were determined by Student t tests. Mean differences were considered significant at the P = .05 level. Data are presented as mean +/- standard deviation.

RESULTS

Despite lower intakes of total fat and saturated fat in the 2% milk group, there were no differences in height, weight, and percentage body fat. Total energy intake was not reduced in the 2% milk group.

APPLICATIONS

Reductions in total fat and saturated fat intake in toddlers can be achieved through the use of 2% milk without compromising growth.