Is cow\u2019s milk harmful to a child\u2019s health?

Discussions and debates have recently emerged on the potential positive and negative effects of cow\u2019s milk in the paediatric community, also under the pressure of public opinion. The negative effects of cow\u2019s-milk consumption seem to be limited to iron status up to 9 to 12 months; then no negative effects are observed, provided that cow\u2019s milk, up to a maximum daily intake of 500 mL, is adequately complemented with iron-enriched foods. Lactose intolerance can be easily managed and up to 250 mL/day of milk can be consumed. Allergy to cow\u2019s-milk proteins is usually transient. Atopic children may independently be at risk for poor growth, and the contribution of dairy nutrients to their diet should be considered. The connection of cow\u2019s milk to autistic spectrum disorders is lacking, and even a cause\u2013effect relation with type 1 diabetes mellitus has not been established because many factors may concur. Although it is true that cow\u2019s milk stimulates insulinlike growth factor-1 and may affect linear growth, association with chronic degenerative, noncommunicable diseases has not been established. Finally, fat-reduced milk, if needed, should be considered after 24 to 36 months. Cow\u2019s milk represents a major source of high nutritional quality protein as well as of calcium. Moreover, it has growth-promoting effects independent of specific compounds. Its protein and fat composition, together with the micronutrient content, is suggestive of a functional food, whose positive effects are emphasised by regular consumption, particularly under conditions of diets poor in some limiting nutrients, although in industrialised countries cow\u2019s milk\u2019s optimal daily intake should be around 500 mL, adequately complemented with other relevant nutrient