To evaluate the nutritional adequacy of diets in early childhood as a function of milk intake, cows’ milk (CM) or growing-up milk (GUM).

From a cross-sectional food consumption survey, two groups of children aged 1–2 years were defined: Group CM fed exclusively on CM ≥ 250 ml/d and Group GUM fed on GUM ≥ 250 ml/d. Proportions of children at risk of nutrient excess or insufficiency were estimated relative to the French Recommended Daily Allowances, Estimated Average Requirements or Adequate Intakes.

Parents participating in the survey were recruited from all regions of France by a polling organization. Distribution was adjusted to that of the French population.

Sixty-three (Group CM) and fifty-five (Group GUM) children.

Total energy and macronutrient intakes were similar in the two groups except protein intake of Group CM, which was much higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance and significantly higher than in Group GUM. A high percentage of children of Group CM had intake of linoleic acid (51 %) and α-linolenic acid (84 %) below the lower limit of the Adequate Intake, and intake of Fe (59 %) vitamin C (49 %) and alimentary vitamin D (100 %) less than the Estimated Average Requirement. Significant differences were observed in the proportions of children with a risk of dietary inadequacy between the two groups for all the mentioned nutrients (P < 0·001). In Group GUM, this imbalance was only observed for vitamin D. Intake of foods other than milk and dairy products could not account for these discrepancies.

Consumption of CM (≥250 ml/d) entails the risk of insufficiency in α-linolenic acid, Fe, vitamin C and vitamin D. Use of GUM (≥250 ml/d) significantly reduces the risk of insufficiencies in the mentioned nutrients.