2026-04-30 12:06:30

Parents have been warned against giving young children vegan oat and soy milks over growing health concerns.

The British Society for Allergy+Clinical Immunology say drinks marketed as healthy alternatives to cow’s milk can be high in sugar while lacking essential nutrients.

New guidance highlights risks for under-fives, including tooth decay, malnutrition and obesity.

Specialists caution that plant-based drinks are often promoted as nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk, despite limited evidence to support this.

Some products, particularly “growing-up” drinks aimed at toddlers, contain added sugars such as glucose syrup and sucrose, with a single serving exceeding daily sugar recommendations.

Doctors report cases of children requiring dental treatment linked to these drinks. Concerns have also been raised about the body’s ability to absorb added nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12.

Parents choosing plant milks are advised to opt for unsweetened, fortified versions.

However, some industry representatives maintain these products support children’s development.

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