Comparison of milk consumption and its contribution to total sugar intake in South African and other schoolchildren.

Mean daily milk, lactose and energy intakes were measured in groups of South African school pupils of 9-16 years. Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) were not reached by any of the groups. In comparison, groups of Canadian, Nigerian and German schoolchildren of similar ages fell into two categories, namely high milk consumers and low milk consumers. Lactose and energy intakes for high consumers were 77% of the RDA, compared with 30-40% for low consumers. The lactose contribution to daily energy intake for Canadian children was 10.7% and for South African groups about 5%. Thus for South African children lactose contribution to total sugar intake may be half that of Canadian children. Exact proportions need to be defined.