MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A new study in the journal Pediatrics shows there should be a limit to how much milk children drink.

Researchers looked at more than 1,300 children (ages 2 to 5) and found two cups of milk a day is enough to maintain vitamin D levels.

More than that can affect iron levels.

“Excessive amounts of milk, which was more like 3or 4 or more cups a day, was associated with a decrease feritin level, and feritin is associated with your iron stores in your body,” said Dr. Suzanne Kaseta, a pediatrician.

Getting enough iron is important for children, because it plays a critical role in early brain development.

Low iron can also increase your risk for anemia.

Whole milk is recommended for children under the age of 2, because the fat helps brain development.

After age 2, most pediatricians suggest switching to low fat milk that has all the same nutrients, without the fat.