Breakfast staple gets good report

Eating cereal with milk may help keep kids’ weight in a healthy range.

Researchers recently evaluated the eating patterns of over 600 children between the ages of four and 12. Children eating the most cereal with milk (eight or more servings over two weeks) had lower weights for height than those eating three or fewer servings.

In addition, children who ate cereal with milk most days of the week ate less fat and more vitamins and minerals, plus they had a significantly lower risk of becoming overweight. The authors suggest that the calcium from milk poured over cereal may be a factor in the positive findings. Eating cereal and milk may promote healthy body weight and improved vitamin and mineral intakes in children.

Albertson AM, et al. Ready-to-eat cereal consumption: Its relationship with BMI and nutrient intake of children aged 4 to 12 years. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2003; 103:1613-1619.