The contribution made by school milk to the nutrition of primary schoolchildren

Abstract

1. The contribution of school milk to the nutrition of 396 Kent primary schoolchildren aged 8–11 years was assessed using information collected in a survey which included a weighed-diet record, a socio-economic questionnaire and a medical examination.2. Over half the children (59% for boys, 54% for girls) drank school milk every school day of the diet-record week.3. Children who drank school milk every school day, when compared with those not drinking it, had a significantly higher mean daily intake of liquid milk, a higher total daily intake of several important nutrients including animal protein, calcium, thiamin and riboflavin, and a diet richer in Ca and riboflavin (boys) and animal protein and Ca (girls). They were also less likely to have intakes of Ca and riboflavin below the recommended daily intakes for these nutrients (Department of Health and Social Security, 1969).4. The increased nutritional intake associated with school milk consumption was not related to any differences in height, weight, arm circumference or skinfold thickness.5. There was no evidence that school milk consumption was associated with obesity (as assessed clinically).