Ramona Josephson author of Heartsmart Nutrition - Shopping on the Run

There is no need to be concerned. A soy beverage can be a healthy alternative to milk. Soy provides protein, healthy fats and phytochemicals. However it does not contain calcium, the mineral your daughter needs to develop strong bones.

Fortunately many manufacturers fortify soy with calcium, because it such a popular alternative to milk. Check the label and choose these.

Also, make sure that your daughter’s "resistance" to milk is not an intolerance to the milk sugar, lactose. Gastric upset such as bloating, gas and diarrhea can make anyone dislike milk!

If this is the cause, try adding lact-aid drops to milk – or buy lact-aid milk. The enzyme breaks down the lactose so that it can be tolerated.

Is a soy beverage better than milk? The jury is out.

For decades soy was considered the panacea for preventing heart disease, osteoporosis and even menopausal symptoms (not a concern for your daughter!), but clinical trials have not proven it to be true.

In 1999 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed manufacturers to claim that soy products might cut the risk of heart disease. This is now under review because a recent 10-year study by the American Heart Association revealed that soy doesn’t do much to lower cholesterol.

There is no reason to be concerned about how much or for how long your daughter consumes soy beverages. Consider it part of a well-balanced diet.

Soy beverage is equivalent in calories to milk with 2% butterfat, so if weight is a concern, choose lower-fat versions equivalent to skim milk.