Dairy's Role in Child and Teen Nutrition and Health

January 15, 2026 • 5 Minute Read

Dairy foods offer a unique package of nutrients that work together to provide multiple health benefits for children and teens, including optimal growth and development, energy for active lifestyles and reduced risk of developing overweight and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life.

Bone + Muscle Development

Dairy is linked to improved bone health, especially in children and teens.¹ Key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus in dairy help build strong bones and teeth and help prevent cavities.²
Dairy foods provide calcium and high-quality protein, which are particularly important for accruing peak bone mass³ and building lean muscle. Peak bone mass is reached between ages 25 and 30.

Bone Mass

Source: Be Healthy Enough

Brain Development

As part of a nutritious diet, dairy provides 7 of the 14 key nutrients required for brain development: iodine, choline, zinc, protein, and vitamins A, D and B12.^4,5
Adequate nutrition, which includes nutrient-dense dairy, fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein, in addition to sleep, exercise, mindfulness and a nurturing environment can reduce stress hormones and enhance the ability of the brain to recover from stress.⁶

Active Children + Teens

Dairy foods provide a balanced contribution of carbohydrates, protein and fat, helping fuel active lifestyles.
Electrolytes in milk and chocolate milk, such as sodium and potassium help restore fluid balance after physical activity such as running or playing sports.^7,8,9
Dairy foods provide high-quality protein needed to fuel muscles and keep kids moving.¹⁰
Milk’s B-vitamins (riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin and vitamin B12) are essential for cellular energy.¹¹
Dairy foods are nutrient-rich alternatives to sports drinks that help the body refuel, recover and rehydrate.¹⁰

Student Success

As a part of a healthy diet, dairy offers nutrients like protein, zinc, selenium and vitamins A, D and B12 that may improve immune health.¹² Helping children and teens stay healthy supports school attendance and academic outcomes.
Students can enjoy milk and dairy foods at school through meal programs designed to meet specific nutrient needs and food requirements. Research shows that children who participate in these programs eat more nutrient dense and high-quality foods such as milk, vegetables, fruits and whole grains than those who do not participate.¹³ Proper nutrition is associated with improved ability to focus and higher academic achievement.¹⁴
Evidence-based nutrition education provides children and teens the opportunity to practice social and emotional skills such as self-awareness, self-management and responsible decision making that can positively impact physical and mental health.¹⁵
Agriculture literacy programs help children and teens understand where their food comes from and how it is produced.

Lactose Intolerant?

Children and teens who are lactose intolerant can get 3 daily servings of dairy by choosing lactose-free milk, yogurt with live cultures or aged cheeses, which contain little or no lactose and receive all of the benefits that dairy provides.

Pairing fruits, vegetables and whole grains with dairy for meals and snacks 3 times per day sets a foundation for lifelong healthy eating patterns.¹⁶

References

1. Heaney RP. Dairy and bone health. J Am Coll Nutr. 2009;28(Suppl1):82S-90S. DOI:10.1080/07315724.2009.10719808

2. Aili Li, et al. Research progress of milk and dairy products to prevent caries. Journal of Functional Foods. 2023;110:105837. DOI:10.1016/j.jff.2023.105837

3. Weaver CM, Gordon CM, Janz KF, et al. The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations. Osteoporos Int .
2016;27:1281–1386. DOI:10.1007/s00198-015-3440-3

4. Roberts M, Tolar-Peterson T, Reynolds A, Wall C, Reeder N, Rico Mendez G. The effects of nutritional interventions on the cognitive development of preschool-age children: A systematic review. Nutrients. 2022;14(3):532. DOI:10.3390/
nu14030532

5. Georgieff MK, Ramel SE, Cusick SE. Nutritional influences on brain development. Acta Paediatr. 2018;107(8):1310-1321. DOI:10.1111/apa.14287

6. Stress and health. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website. October 1, 2021. Accessed November, 30 2023. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/stress-and-health

7. Desbrow B, Jansen S, Barrett A, Leveritt MD, Irwin C. Comparing the rehydration potential of different milk-based drinks to a carbohydrate–electrolyte beverage. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014;39(12):1366-1372. DOI:10.1139/apnm-2014-0174

8. Volterman KA, Obeid J, Wilk B, Timmons BW. Effect of milk consumption on rehydration in youth following exercise in the heat. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014;39(11):1257-1264. DOI:10.1139/apnm-2014-0047

9. Karp JR, Johnston JD, Tecklenburg S, Mickleborough TD, Flye AD, Stager JM. Chocolate milk as a post exercise recovery aid. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006;16(1):78-91. DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.16.1.78

10. National Dairy Council. 13 ways milk can help your body.2021. Accessed Nov 2022 at: https://www.usdairy.com/getmedia/0caf28ce-c6ce-4be0-adfd-dbc208f942a3/13-nutrients-in-milk-infographic-2021.pdf

11. Tardy A-L, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: A narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients.2020;12(1):228. DOI:10.3390/nu12010228

12. Calder PC. Optimal nutritional status for a well-functioning immune system is an important factor to protect against viral infections. Nutrients. 2020;12(4). DOI: 10.3390/nu12041181

13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School Meals. Updated October, 19 2022. Accessed November 30, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/schoolmeals.htm

14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Academic Achievement.
Accessed November 30, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/schoolmeals.htm

15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School nutrition and the social and emotional climate and learning. September 21, 2021. Accessed November 30, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/school_nutrition_sec.htm#:~:text=Providing%20nutrition%20education%20can%20teach,of%20feeling%20hungry%20and%20full.&text=Encouraging%20teachers%20to%20eat%20meals,and%20strengthen%20relationships%20with%20students

16. US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human
Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th ed. 2020.
Accessed November, 30 2023. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials