“Is it okay to feed cheese and butter to kids?”
Should I be feeding things like cheese and butter to my kids? Aren't these important sources of calcium at a young age? What should the limit be?
4 Answers
It is good to feed them with some butter and cheese if they are not overweight. Butter is important; cholesterol is needed for brain development up to 5yrs of age.
Cheese is part of a healthy diet, and butter, in small amounts, is fine, too.
Calcium is a very important component of diet and necessary for growth and development along with vitamin D and certain other nutrients. As long as your child is not allergic or sensitive to dairy and is obtaining other nutrients from dietary sources as well, cheese and butter is not a bad idea in controlling portions.
Rubina Azam, MD, FAAP, ABOIM
Rubina Azam, MD, FAAP, ABOIM
Young children below age 2 need extra fat, but after that they need 16 oz of dairy for calcium. If they are not overweight, butter is fine, but excess can increase cholesterol. Mozzarella cheese is a low-fat option for cheese.
