Study: Too much milk may affect child's development

CINCINNATI - Researchers suggest limiting milk consumption in younger children to prevent iron levels from dropping too low.

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics studied 1,300 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old.

Researchers found iron levels declined as milk consumption increased. Researchers believe this is because the calcium found in milk can affect the body's ability to absorb iron.

Iron is a key nutrient for younger children and experts say even a slight deficiency can affect a child's physical and mental development.

The study also found kids who drank milk out of a bottle had lower levels of iron than kids who drank out of a glass. Researchers believe drinking milk from a bottle makes kids fuller faster, leaving less room for food that can help replenish iron levels.

Researchers are now recommending children drink two cups of milk daily. They say that amount should still provide children with adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D without significantly impacting iron levels.

To read the full study, go to http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/12/12/peds.2012-1793.full.pdf+html .