I am concerned that we are being offered such conflicting and confusing advice on children's health and nutrition that many parents may eventually reject it all. For example, we are told that we should aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and that drinking orange juice increases the body's absorption of iron. Juice cartons now state that they contain one daily portion, as recommended. But the 'Parent's guide to healthy teeth' (23 October) states that fruit juices are bad for teeth and that children should be given only milk and water. This is unrealistic in a normal diet. Surely the benefits for children's health of fruit juice in a cup at some mealtimes outweigh any possible damage to teeth?
I am concerned that we are being offered such conflicting and confusing advice on children's health and nutrition that many parents may eventually reject it all. For example, we are told that we should aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and that drinking orange juice increases the body's absorption of iron. Juice cartons now state that they contain one daily portion, as recommended.
But the 'Parent's guide to healthy teeth' (23 October) states that fruit juices are bad for teeth and that children should be given only milk and water. This is unrealistic in a normal diet. Surely the benefits for children's health of fruit juice in a cup at some mealtimes outweigh any possible damage to teeth?
The advice on lactose intolerance ('No milk today', 23 October) does not mention soya formulas suitable from birth, such as SMA Wysoy, which are also appropriate for older children and adults. My four children and I use Wysoy for drinking, on cereals and in porridge, batters, custards and sauces. We like its mild taste and, as it is sold as powder in large tins, we can safely store quantities of it and whisk it up with warm tap water when needed. This is much easier than storing endless pints of milk in the fridge and it is ideal for holidays and outings.
Debbie Chalmers
Girton, Cambridge
