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Cow's milk and children

Cow's milk and children

Overview

Cow's milk is not recommended for infants under less than one year old because the milk contains too much salt and protein. For infants who are not breastfed, infant formula is given in its place. The carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamin, and mineral content is formulated to be as close to human breast milk as possible.

Review Date 7/1/2025

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.