A cross-sectional study of 2,800 Canadian children aged 1-6 found children exclusively using milk substitutes (i.e., soy, almond, rice) were more than twice as likely to be deficient in vitamin D than those drinking cow’s milk. This deficiency can lead to varying levels of bone weakness thus affecting children’s development. Vitamin D fortification is mandatory in cow’s milk, but is voluntary for milk substitutes.
PositiveTip: Read labels and purchase only milk substitutes fortified with vitamin D as well as get adequate exposure to sunlight.