Cow's milk and linear growth in industrialized and developing countries.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Endocrinology
• Growth Biology

Background:

• Cow's milk is a primary source of nutrition for newborns, supporting rapid early growth.
• Observational and intervention studies indicate a positive association between milk intake and linear growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the evidence for cow's milk stimulating linear growth.
• To explore the mechanisms and implications of milk-induced growth, including insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I.
• To assess the impact of milk consumption on growth in both undernourished and well-nourished children.

Main Methods:

• Review of observational and intervention studies on cow's milk and linear growth.
• Analysis of studies investigating the relationship between milk intake and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels.
• Examination of data on early life growth programming and its long-term health consequences.

Main Results:

• Strong evidence from developing countries shows cow's milk significantly enhances linear growth.
• Milk intake is associated with increased circulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, suggesting a key mechanism.
• In well-nourished populations, milk consumption also correlates with growth, even with adequate nutrient intake.

Conclusions:

• Cow's milk consumption stimulates linear growth, likely via IGF-I, with benefits for stunted children.
• The long-term health effects of increased milk intake in well-nourished children are complex, with potential positive and negative outcomes.
• Early life diet, including milk consumption, plays a crucial role in programming the IGF axis and subsequent health.