Powdered drink mixes that are widely promoted as "toddler milks" for older babies and children up to age 3 are unregulated, unnecessary and "nutritionally incomplete," the American Academy of Pediatrics warned Friday.

The drinks, which are touted to parents on TikTok, in television ads and on other sites, often contain added sugar and salt. The manufacturers make unproven claims that the drinks boost kids' brains or immune systems, said Dr. George Fuchs, a member of the AAP's nutrition committee, which released the new report.

Formula industry officials said the drinks could be useful for filling "nutrition gaps" in kids' diets. But Fuchs said older babies and toddlers should be given a balanced diet of solid foods, as well as drink breast milk, fortified whole cow's milk and water after age 1.



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