HMN 2025: How Water and plain milk are the healthiest drinks for teenagers, say consultants

Got milk? It seems, plain cow’s milk, water and a little bit of veggie juice are nonetheless the perfect drink selections for teenagers and youths.

That’s the consensus of consultants who just lately issued wholesome beverage suggestions for teenagers and youths aged 5 to 18.

The professional panel—convened by Healthy Eating Research, a nationwide program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—included members from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association.

Its suggestions comply with a five-month assessment of scientific literature, in response to The Washington Post.

Unsurprisingly, the panel mentioned water needs to be the “major beverage for assembly hydration wants,” with the really helpful every day consumption starting from 16 to 88 ounces, relying on a kid’s age and intercourse.

Tap water, the panel wrote, is most well-liked as a result of it is inexpensive, eco-friendly and sometimes has fluoride added to forestall tooth decay.

Plain pasteurized milk—ideally low-fat or fat-free—was additionally really helpful for its important vitamins.

The panel mentioned 100% fruit or vegetable juice is appropriate however needs to be restricted as a result of its excessive calorie content material.

The panel additionally mentioned plant-based milks, like almond or oat, lack key vitamins and may solely change dairy if medically vital.

It mentioned flavored and sweetened milk needs to be prevented or restricted.

Sugar-sweetened drinks, like sodas and sports activities drinks, “usually are not really helpful as a part of a nutritious diet for youngsters and adolescents,” the panel concluded.

Caffeinated drinks, which may disrupt sleep, psychological well being and coronary heart well being, are additionally not really helpful.

“Choosing wholesome drinks for youngsters is simply as necessary as selecting wholesome meals,” Amy Reed, a pediatric dietitian and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ spokeswoman, mentioned in a information launch.

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