Dairy-Rich Breakfast Benefits Kids

ROSEMONT, Ill.Children and teenagers who regularly consume a nutrient-rich breakfast that includes low-fat or fat-free dairy, whole grains and fruits and vegetables have improved memory retention, perform better in school and have better attendance rates, according to recent research conducted by the National Dairy Council.

The findings also suggest kids who incorporate dairy into a daily breakfast routine also consumer fewer calories from fat throughout the day and are more likely to eat the recommended amount of calcium.

Children tend to eat breakfast less often as they get older, creating a tremendous opportunity to improve their diets. Not only does a healthy breakfast make their bodies stronger, it also makes them better students," said Alyssa Greenstein, a registered dietitian with the Dairy Council of Florida.

The research supports a study published in the International Journal of Obesity that found children who skip breakfast have a higher risk of obesity compared to those who eat their morning meal.