American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cow's milk is not recommended for children under one year of age because it can interfere with their nutritional needs and developmental processes. Infants require a diet that is rich in the appropriate balance of nutrients, especially iron, which is lower in cow's milk compared to breast milk or iron-fortified formula. Introducing cow's milk too early may lead to iron-deficiency anemia, as it can also cause intestinal bleeding in infants, further decreasing iron absorption.

At the age of 12 months, children can begin to transition to whole cow's milk as part of a well-balanced diet. By this point, their digestive systems are more developed and capable of handling the proteins and minerals found in cow's milk. Additionally, they will have incorporated a variety of other solid foods into their diet that can provide the necessary nutrients.

Therefore, the recommendation aligns at the one-year mark, allowing for the appropriate introduction of cow's milk as a source of nutrition alongside other food items.