Consumption of dairy, fat, and calcium in childhood and adolescence

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Obesity and bone health are important issues that are partially related to diet in children and adolescents. Intake of diary products and the choice of specific dairy products are important aspects of the diet for young people. Kranz et al evaluated the intake of dairy products in children in the United States. They found that dairy intake was inadequate compared with normal standards in 4-18 year old individuals. In addition, most children who consume dairy products consume the high fat forms of these products. These dietary patterns for children may be adverse for both bone health and obesity. Pediatricians should be encouraging the consumption of low fat dairy products in their patients.