A member asked:

Is almond milk safe for my 2.5 yo? and what are the benefits of it for pediatrics and adults?

23 doctors weighed in across 8 answers
Dr. Marybeth Lambe answered

Specializes in Travel Medicine

Why switch?: In toddlers one worries about nut allergies but the bigger issue is that almond milk is very low in protein and fat which growing toddlers may need. It can be high in sugar too. The almonds need to have been soaked/dehydrated first to rid phytic acid which block mineral absorption and cause tummy distress. Positives: iron, riboflavin and vitamin e, extra calcium. Mixed concern: has lots omega 6.

Answered 11/9/2015

5.3k views

Thank

Almond milk: If the child has allergy to milk protein then almond milk can be used. But please make sure there are no documented nut allergies. Regular milk is best if there are no known allergies.

Answered 8/19/2015

5.2k views

Thank

Ok,? benefits: Dr lambes answer is right there. There generally is no need to use regularly unless there is a problem with cow's milk.In smaller quantities should present no problems. Benefit of almond milk, not clear there are any.

Answered 8/19/2015

4.8k views

Thank

Ok if not allergic: Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy and in fact going non-dairy is preferred. Almond milk as well as soy, rice, coconut, and flaxseed milks are a great source of important nutrients and are part of a well balanced diet. It's a good idea to avoid animal foods when possible since they contribute to elevated cholesterol, saturated fats, toxins and hormones. I always advise eating vegetarian.

Answered 8/19/2015

3.9k views

Thank

Almond milk: if he has no allergy to almond milk it should be safe. But make sure he gets all the other good things that milk has if you are using in the place of milk ie Vitamin D etc.

Answered 11/9/2015

3.5k views

Thank
Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

SAFE: Almond milk contains almost one gram of fiber per serving, which is important for healthy digestion.Lactose intolerance impacts about 25% of the US population, which means they have difficulty digesting the sugar in cow’s milk. This makes almond milk a suitable, lactose-free substitute. It’s perfectly fine at room temperature which makes it a convenient, nutritious staple to pack,

Answered 8/19/2015

3k views

Thank
Dr. Charles Gordon answered

Specializes in Adolescent Medicine

But milk safety: There exist a relatively small number of people who have real severe problems with the ingestion of cows milk. There are plenty of acceptable substitutes. Most frequently used are based on soybean as the source of protein. Some people are allergic to soybeans. For them there are other substitutes including almond base substitutes. As long as they have sufficient calcium and other nutrients kids OK

Answered 11/9/2015

2.4k views

Thank

I don't recommend it: Almond milk is not sufficient for a growing child.Fat is essential for all people especially a growing child.Almond milk is made by adding water ti crushed almonds and lacks vitamin E.It is free of saturated fat and lacks calcium which is needed for the bones in a growing child.Some almond milks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D Yes it is ok to give and drink but not replacement for cows mi

Answered 11/9/2015

2k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Is the calcium in almond milk safe if you have a kidney stone?

A doctor has provided 1 answer