Milk and human development: an essay on the "milk hypothesis"

Abstract

The "milk hypothesis" predicts that a greater consumption of milk during infancy and childhood will result greater stature in adult life. Evidence is reviewed to evaluate this hypothesis. Data from post-World War II Japan, several pastoralist cultures around the world, nutrition supplementation programs, and experimental studies are, generally, consistent in support of the hypothesis. The nutrients contained in milk, especially calcium, vitamin 0 3, protein, and fats, are known to be necessary for adequate bone development and growth, both in length and in bone density. The risk for health problems in later life, particularly for osteoporosis, may be reduced by greater consumption of milk during infancy and childhood. Milk supplementation programs in schools improve both school attendance and school performance. The Portuguese milk supplementation program is highlighted as an example of the benefits of milk on both physical and cognitive development.

A "hipotese do leite" prediz que urn maior consumo de leite durante a infancia resultara numa estatura mais elevada na vida adulta. As evidencias sao revistas para avaliar esta hipotese. as dados da populacao [aponesa apos a Segunda Guerra Mundial, de varias populacoes de pastoralistas em todo 0 mundo, os programas de suplementos nutricionais, e os estudos experimentais sao, geralmente, consistentes em suportar esta hipotese, as nutrientes que 0 leite contem, especialmente 0 calcic, a vitamina 0 3, proteinas, e gorduras, sabe-se serem necessaries para urn desenvolvimento e crescimento osseo adequado, quer em comprimento quer em densidade ossea. a risco posterior para os problemas de saiide, particularmente para a osteoporose, podem ser reduzidos por urn maior consumo de leite durante a infancia. as programas de suplemento de leite nas escolas melhoram a participacao e 0 rendimento escolar. a programa portugues de suplemento de leite nas escolas e urn exmeplo elucidativo dos beneficios do leite no desenvolvimento ffsico e cognitivo.