Basics in children's nutrition

 

Proper nutrition from the first days of a child's life is very important both because it ensures the ideal development and because it lays the foundations for a healthy adult life. Breastfeeding is the ideal food for infants for the first 6 months. After 6 months, breastfeeding in combination with nutrient-rich foods is the ideal way for children to start life with solid foundations. What is needed is a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients, but if we want to get a little more specific, the foods and ingredients that should be paid special attention to are the following.

 

Iron. It helps in the transport of oxygen to all tissues of the body. Without oxygen, no function in our body can take place from the function of metabolism to the function of the immune system. At the same time, it helps in the smooth mental development of the child and the good functioning of the brain. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and negative effects on the child's behavior, mood, attention and learning ability. Good sources of iron are animal sources (meat, chicken, fish) and from plant sources the leafy green vegetables and legumes. However, remember that plant iron is not as easily absorbed as animal iron. Therefore, the best way to fill the stores of our body with iron is to take it either from animal sources or from fortified foods such as, for example, a specially designed milk for children.

Vitamin D. It helps in the absorption of calcium so that the child builds a strong skeleton and a strong muscular system. Additionally, studies show that vitamin D is associated with the good functioning of the immune system in children. The body has the ability to synthesize vitamin D from the sun, but nowadays due to our reduced exposure to the sun, its deficiency is common. Therefore, special emphasis should be placed on the intake of vitamin D through foods. Good sources are fatty fish, egg, cheese and fortified foods.

Milk. It is essential in the diet of children because it is in itself a complete food containing proteins, carbohydrates and fats, along with important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. In fact, a specially designed infant formula can help meet the child's needs if combined with a comprehensive proper diet. The design is not accidental. There is a huge scientific research and technology behind it. Let's not forget that nutritional requirements evolve along with them and the technology. For example, it has been found that increased protein intake from infancy may be a factor in the manifestation of obesity in adult life. A specially designed formula may contain a lower amount of protein which, in combination with other protein-rich foods, can contribute to a balanced protein intake from the child. At the same time, there are formulas from which saturated animal fats have been removed and in their place polyunsaturated vegetable fats have been introduced.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are vital for the child's development. These are the linoleic (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic (omega-3) fatty acid. They contribute to the development of the nervous system and the brain as well as to good mental function.

 

Other essential elements that should not be missing from children's diets are the consumption of fruits and vegetables (5 servings/day) and legumes (1-2 times/week). Fruits are best consumed whole rather than in juice form, since in the first case we get plenty of dietary fiber and minerals while in the second (juice) we get mainly the sugars of the fruit.

Also let's not forget that the child's stomach is small and cannot accept a large amount of food. It is therefore good to give them small meals every 2-3 hours and these meals should be as nutritious as possible, that is, with a high density of vitamins and minerals in a small volume.

 

Finally, set a good example for your child. Sit at the table together to eat and do not eat on your feet. Keep meal times steady and do not express our dissatisfaction with a food because the child will imitate you.

Proper nutrition therefore lays the foundations for the development and health in the future of the child. Every nutrient, every vitamin and every mineral plays its role and the choice of the right foods is important both for the nutrition of children and adults.   

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www.nestlebaby.gr.