Whole Milk vs Low-Fat Milk for Childhood Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
In the U.S. it is recommended that children consume whole cow's milk (3.5% fat) from ages 1 to 2 years to support rapid early growth and brain development, and then at age 2 years transition to low-fat (1%) or non-fat milk to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake. To date, few studies have examined the optimal milk type for children to prevent obesity. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of consumption of whole versus 1% milk on child adiposity.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications. However, children on medications that affect growth or daily feeding are excluded from the trial.
Is it safe for children to consume whole milk or low-fat milk?
Research suggests that both whole milk and low-fat milk are generally safe for children. Studies have shown that whole milk might be linked to lower obesity rates in children, while low-fat milk is recommended to reduce fat and calorie intake. No significant safety concerns have been reported for either type of milk in children.12345
How does the treatment of introducing different types of milk compare to other treatments for childhood obesity?
This treatment is unique because it explores the impact of different milk fat contents (whole milk vs. low-fat milk) on childhood obesity, challenging the traditional recommendation of low-fat milk for children over 2 years old. Recent evidence suggests that whole milk might be linked to lower obesity rates, offering a novel approach compared to standard dietary guidelines.12678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Whole Milk vs Low-Fat Milk for Childhood Obesity?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Lorrene Ritchie, PhD
Principal Investigator
Nutrition Policy Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for parents of children aged 1-2 years who are willing to give their child only whole or 1% milk for a year. They must have internet access, speak and read English, and plan to stay in the SF Bay Area without changing primary caregivers.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomly assigned to consume either whole milk or 1% milk for one year to evaluate the effect on child adiposity and other health outcomes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in adiposity, dietary intake, blood measures, and neurocognitive development
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Child Nutrition Counseling
- Introduction of Milk Type
Introduction of Milk Type is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Support for rapid early growth and brain development in children aged 1-2 years
- Reduction of saturated fat and calorie intake in children aged 2 years and older
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Davis
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborator
Stanford University
Collaborator