Does Drinking Milk Suppress Hunger in Children

Liquids do have the ability to make children feel full, but there has been some speculation as to whether liquids have the same satiating quality as solid foods. This may depend upon when the liquids are consumed in relation to meals.

Before a Meal

• In a study performed by Dr. Adam Drewnowski, Ph.D., subjects who consumed a glass of milk before a meal ate the same amount of calories during the meal as subjects who ate a cookie before a meal. This shows that the liquid and the solid food had the same effect on the overall meal intake, demonstrating that before a meal, milk does not suppress hunger more or less than solid food with the same amount of calories.

Nutritional Needs

• Dr. Drewnowski says that children are particularly good at feeling a caloric deficit and seeking out more food. A glass of milk will fulfill some of the nutritional and caloric needs of a child, so he is less likely to crave junk food or overindulge during a meal.

Other Drinks

• The satiating power of other liquids with the same amount of calories as milk have the same satiating power as milk, according to Dr. Drewnowski.