from Canadian Medical Association Journal
Non-cow’s milk, such as rice, almond or soy, is becoming popular because of perceived health benefits, milk allergies or lactose intolerance. But a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found children drinking only non-cow’s milk were more than twice as likely to be deficient in vitamin D as children drinking only cow’s milk. The study, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, found every additional cup of non-cow’s milk was associated with a five percent drop in vitamin D levels. In children, low levels of vitamin D can cause weakened bones. Cow’s milk is required to be fortified with specific amounts of vitamin D and other nutrients, but adding vitamin D to non-cow’s milk is voluntary. There are other dietary sources of vitamin D as well as supplements that may be options for children not consuming cow’s milk.