It is well known among parents that getting kids to eat healthy can be a challenge. The reason for that is because nutrition has many significant impacts on each stage of their development. Balance is key, get to know how each important nutrient will affect your child’s growth.

Proteins is what supports their Growth

Just because a child is young, it does not mean they should not work on growing their muscles. Just like in adults, protein supports the growth of cells to support the body’s growth. Strong cells also support a body’s immune system. Children who are affected by protein deficiency are fatigued easily, small for their age, and can fall ill often. It is not difficult to find a good food source for protein because it is all your child’s favorite dishes that contain chicken, fish, fortified cereals, milk, and some vegetables.¹

Watch the Carbs & Fats

Fats have a bad reputation for causing obesity in children and adults alike. It actually depends on the type of fat and how much of it one eats. The fatty acids (Omega-3, Docosahexaenoic “DHA”, Eicosapentaenoic “EPA”), are good fats. When they are consumed in appropriate amounts, they support the nervous system, enhance memory power and help absorb immunity improving Vitamins (A, D, E).^{1, 2}

Carbohydrates are in everything and they are what will provide a child with energy to function in a day. Similar to fats, too much carbohydrates in a child’s diet can cause early childhood Diabetes. Children who develop diabetes (Type 1) early are at a higher risk of getting heart diseases in their adult years. To prevent this, reduce the amount of highly processed foods and provide them with carbs that keep them fuller longer like whole grains, brown bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low fat dairy.^{1, 3}

Get their Synbiotics right

The balance power of both Probiotics and Prebiotics is known as Synbiotic. Parents making sure that their child gets the right mix will help reduce the development of gastrointestinal problems and late life food allergies. Our digestive system has many different types of bacteria to aid in digestion and for our general well being like improved immunity. Probiotics are the food bacteria found in yogurt and pickled items. Prebiotics are non digestible fibers from food that feed the good bacteria in the digestive system.^{1, 4}

Remember their Vitamins

If food lacks essential vitamins and minerals, they are called empty calories. Vitamins and minerals help us heal bones, wounds and boost immunity. Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Magnesium, and Phosphorus for strong bones, while Fluoride is for dental health. Vitamin C will help your child’s body absorb Iron for oxygen circulation for proper muscle function. Along with Iron, Zinc will help promote a healthy appetite so that your child will grow up strong.^{1, 5}

Reference(s): 

1. https://www.pediasure.com.au/nutrition-development/nutrition-explained
2. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/what-to-know-about-omega-3s-and-fish#1
3. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20180810/early-onset-type-1-diabetes-tied-to-heart-disease
4. https://nutricia.com.au/aptamil/parents-corner/first-weeks/synbiotics-and-child-gut-health/
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/iron-deficiency/art-20045634