Age to start health drink for kids?

Deepas · May 18, 2009

Hi,

My son is 1 year old. I was giving him formula. For the past 1 week I have
started giving him cows milk. I am wondering what is the correct age to start giving health drinks like complan or pediasure to my son?
Could anyone pls guide?

Thanks,
Deepa.

sunitha · May 18, 2009

In India,I think you can start with Junior Horlicks at 1 yr.Here,for my 15 mnth old,I give a pinch of Complan/Horlicks/Ovaltine/Bournvita/Boost sometimes with his milk when I feel he has not had a full meal.Otherwise,it is usually plain milk only.It is always good to introduce them to a little variety now and then.

tikka · May 19, 2009

I think the pediasure reco is for 2 to 6 years and I think this has something to do with WHO recommendation that no milk substitutes be marketed for children below the age of two - WHO recommends that the child be breastfed for at least two years till as long as both mother and child desire, so targetting that population for milk substitutes/health drinks is banned in India under the Infant Milk Substitutes Act.
But, if you have reasons to believe your child is undernourished go ahead and give pediasure. But I dont think it will help with micronutrient deficiencies - food is the best way of dealing with that! Hope that helps.