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The Eatwell Guide from Public Health England has nearly halved previous recommendations for the amount of milk and dairy products for children over five years old.

 

Existing recommendations for milk and dairy products stood at 15%, but this has now been reduced to 8%, instead favouring a higher carbohydrate intake.

 

Dr Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at Public Health England, however, confirmed that “the Eatwell Guide does not reflect dietary advice for nursery children under the age of five”.

 

The Children’s Food Trust states that standard advice for children between the ages of two and five is three portions of dairy per day.

 

“While dairy products form an important part of a healthy balanced diet, many are high in saturated fat which on average we are eating too much of, increasing our risk of heart disease,” Dr Louis said.

 

“For those aged five years and above, the Eatwell Guide helps to reduce saturated fat consumption while still meeting all nutrient recommendations including for calcium. It’s important to remember that we get calcium from across the diet, not just from dairy.”