January 10, 2026 | 03:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Despite its proven nutrition, milk must not be used as a substitute for children's primary nutritional intake. The high-calcium drink is intended to complement a meal, especially in the morning, or as a snack.
This was revealed by Rita Ramayulis, a nutritionist from the Indonesian Sports Nutritionist Association (ISNA). Even if the children prefer it, parents are required to condition their kids into having complete menus while having their meals. "Don't position milk as a replacement for a complete meal, that's unbefitting," Rita said as quoted by Antara on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Risks of Nutritional Deficiency
Rita explained that milk only complements the primary meals for children. Yes, it provides protein and calcium, but waiving other meal components heightens the risks of nutritional deficiencies, such as complex carbohydrates.
Children also require fiber that is not present in milk, as well as a balanced intake of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and micronutrients. "The digestive process in the body will be disrupted with a sole liquid diet," she said.
The Graduate School Lecturer in Public Health at Faletehan University stated that children are in a learning phase, determining or forming good eating habits. Therefore, it is on the parents to teach and train children correct eating patterns.
Carefully Managing Nutrient Intake
Parents are advised to carefully manage their children's nutrition at home, especially for children who prefer milk over main meals. To achieve this, parents can agree on a meal plan together with their children, modifying it according to their taste while still being mindful of nutritional intake.
She suggests providing the primary menu at meal times, while serving snacks on the side to provide nutrients that are lacking in the main meal. "For example, if a child is lacking in calcium, protein, then milk can complement it as a snack along with other foods such as fruit," said the nutrition expert, a graduate of the University of Indonesia.
Read: Parents Say Free Meal Program Is Ineffective During School Holidays
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