Checking milk labels

MANILA, Philippines - Armed with better knowledge of their children’s nutrition, many of today’s mothers have become more discerning when it comes to picking the right growing-up milk for their young ones. That’s why moms are turning to nutrition labels to guide them in their buying choices.

Checking the labels is the best way to learn about the nutrient contents of a food product like milk. From there, mothers can then easily choose the best one for their children.

In a recent ambush interview at a grocery, two moms gladly shared their inclinations when it comes to reading labels and choosing the right milk for their children.

“I’ve always considered the calcium and protein contents of a milk brand,” says Lanny Barlaan, 42. “By checking the labels I get to know which ones offer the highest amount of these nutrients,” she says.

Barlaan adds: “Among these milk brands on the shelf, Nido 3+ contains the most calcium and protein, plus a host of other important vitamins and minerals. This makes Nido 3+ my prime choice for my four-year-old daughter.”

Protein is important for children’s muscle growth, while calcium supports the building and strengthening of their bones. The combination of these and other essential nutrients in Nido 3+ milk ensures that children will get grow into strong and healthy adults.

Aside from the essential vitamins and minerals, Nido 3+ also contains a good amount of probiotics, prebiotics and DHA — nutrients that got an even more discerning mom like Amita Clea Ronquillo hooked.

As a nurse, the 32-year-old mother of two knows that the best milk is the one that provides the best all-around nutrition for her children. Like Barlaan, she turns to the label to help her find the milk that meets her criteria.

“I’ve read that probiotics and prebiotics help protect our bodies against harmful microorganisms. And that can only be good for my kids. After reading the nutrition labels, I discovered that only Nido 3+ contains these equally important ingredients. Since I’ve learned of its probiotics, prebiotics and DHA content, I’ve stuck to Nido 3+ as the brand of choice for my kids,” she says.

Probiotics are what you call “good” microorganisms that live in the digestive system. They help fight the “bad” or harmful microorganisms and protect the body against infectious and diseases.

Prebiotics, meanwhile, serve as food for those good bacteria to keep the body constantly supplied with probiotics.

The combined benefit of prebiotics and probiotics found in Nido 3+ is important in maintaining the integrity of the digestive system, helping build stronger body defenses.

Thanks to their label-reading habits, moms like Barlaan and Ronquillo have become more confident in their product choices.