A Belgian consensus-statement on growing-up milks for children 12-36 months old.
Growing-up milks (GUM) are milk-based drinks with low protein and added minerals and vitamins intended for children 12-36 months. Since the advantages of GUM are heavily debated, we reviewed the literature. A literature search was done using the classic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane) on the use of GUM in 12- to 36-month-old young children. Only limited data are available. GUM have a highly variable composition as their marketing is not regulated. Nevertheless, all papers conclude that GUM help to cover nutritional requirements of 12- to 36-month-old infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate intakes of macro- and micronutrients in 1- to 3-year-old children have long-term health benefits. Present diets offered to toddlers do in general not meet the requirements. Supplemented foods are therefore helpful, of which GUM is a possibility.
Department of Pediatrics, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium, yvan.vandenplas@uzbrussel.be.
Yvan
Y
Vandenplas
Nadine
N
De Ronne
Annemie
A
Van De Sompel
Koen
K
Huysentruyt
Martine
M
Robert
Jacques
J
Rigo
Isabelle
I
Scheers
Daniel
D
Brasseur
P
P
Goyens
D000818:Animals; D001530:Belgium; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008892:Milk; D008903:Minerals; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D014815:Vitamins
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins