My 26 months old son does not like milk. Does he need to drink milk?

Pauline arnold, United States

Milk and dairy products are the richest and most easily absorbed dietary sources of calcium. Calcium is critical to our health because it helps to build strong bones and teeth. It is also necessary to other functions like muscle contraction and nerve transmission. And calcium is most important during the childhood and teen years when it can have the most impact on growing bones. The recommended calcium intake can be achieved as long as the child consumes enough milk and dairy products. In the EU the recommendation is 400 mg/day for 1-3 years old children. If your son does not like milk but likes dairy products like yoghurt and cheese, he will obtain his calcium from them. Other products that are rich sources of calcium include sardines and salmon with bones (canned), dark green vegetables like broccoli or spinach, sesame seeds, almonds, dried figs and pulses. Fortified products (e.g. breakfast cereals, orange juice, soy milk) will help him reach recommended calcium intakes.

Feeding and nutrition of infants and young children, Guidelines for the WHO European Region
http://www.euro.who.int/document/WS_115_2000FE.pdf