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Child Nutrition Articles

Arginine, an Essential Nutrient for growth

The Importance of Keeping Track of your Child’s Growth

Which foods have the most probiotics?

Does “brain food” help children study well?

Healthy Habits to Keep a Child’s Immunity Strong

Why you should pay attention to your child’s appetite

How to Support Your Child’s Immune System through Nutrition

4 Important Nutrients Your Child Might Not Be Eating Enough

How Protein Fuels Child Development

Why Kids Need Healthy Snacks

Nutrition Tips to Help your Child Stay Healthy during School Age

Signs that Tell Your Child is Undergoing Growth Spurt

How to Choose Healthy Drinks for your Child

Why kids go through a picky eating phase and how to address

Healthy Ingredient Swaps for Kids’ Meals

Nutrition’s Role in Building Strong Immune System in Children

Healthy Food Swaps for Kids so they don’t miss out on nourishment

Why the Food in Between Matter: Beverage Choices

Get the Facts: Nature to Nurture on Growth

Improving your Child’s Healthy Eating Habits: For Parents

Important Key Benefits of the Food Pyramid for Kids

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April 21, 2020

3 Role of Natural Vitamin K2 in Kids

Vitamin K2’s role in child development

It is not just all about calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and growth. Kids need the help of Vitamin K2 to make sure that the calcium does not go to waste and binds to bones to build them anew. Even if your child eats a lot of fruits, vegetables and meat, it is impossible to get enough needed calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K2 either due to diet type and taste preferences.¹ Because inadequacy are of concern, parents can consider supplementing with vitamin K2 enhanced nutrition (eg. Pediasure 3+ & Pediasure 3+ Sucrose Free).⁵^,⁶

Vitamin K1 versus K2

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), found mostly in dark leafy green vegetables, is for proper blood clotting function. This vitamin has a short life span and constantly requires resupply from food, though a small amount can be converted to vitamin K2 with the help of healthy gut bacteria.¹^,²

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone), helps bind calcium to bone for building bone strength and density. This vitamin also helps with inhibiting excess build up of it in the arteries that causes plaque that lead to heart issues.¹^,²

How Does Vitamin K2 Help Development?

Vitamin K2 helps strengthen, increase density, and promote growth of bones by helping bind calcium to them. It is because Osteocalcin, the main protein in bones, is dependent on vitamin K2 to function. A child who mostly eats packaged junk foods is at the biggest risk of vitamin K2 deficiency. It is because those items have the flavor, but little to no key nutrients. If calcium cannot be bound to bones efficiently, children can have the risk of developing osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and have stunted growth.³^,⁴

How Much Vitamin K2 Does a Child Need?

An adequate diet of collard greens, spinach and dark salad greens or any dark green vegetable should provide a child with enough Vitamin K. Plant oils (soybean, canola, olive, corn) and margarine are also good sources. For specific number amount, it depends on their age, size, and gender or deficiency level, which can be determined by a Pediatrician or related medical professional.3 For Vitamin K2, red meats, cheeses and eggs or any other animal based products are good sources.3, 4

Nutrition is always based on needs rather than want. You want more calcium for bones, but it needs Vitamin K2 to bind it to bones.You control the quality of food your child gets,but if you are worried that food alone is limiting, a complete and balanced child nutrition supplement like Pediasure 3+ can help.5 PediaSure 3+, available in powder form, comes with enhanced Arginine, Natural Vitamin K2 and 37 nutrients to support your child to achieve their optimal height potential.7 Available in child favorite flavors of strawberry, vanilla, and the new Sucrose Free. Pediasure 3+. For children who live actively and need nutrition on the go, PediaSure RPB is the ready to drink format for easy snacking needs.6 Visit Pediasure Myanmar today to sign up for samples.

References:

April 21, 2020

Role of Arginine in Kids

During the first five years of life, all children have the same opportunity to grow taller as long as they have access to sufficient nutrition and a nurturing environment free from illness. That’s because essential nutrients are absolutely vital for bone growth.

Clinical study showed stunted children have lower serum levels of Arginine compared to non-stunted children* and Arginine consumption has been associated with increased growth velocity in children.

Arginine is found in protein-rich foods such as nuts, grains, legumes, meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Arginine promotes the multiplication of cells at the growth plate in bones to help bones grow longer.

If the diet is unable to provide the necessary nutrients such as Arginine for the development of the child, parents may consider supplementing their dietary nutrition to improve nutrient absorption.

*Based on an observational study in healthy children with lower arginine intake of < 2.2g/d compared with an arginine intake between 2·5 and 3·2 g/d and protein intake < 58 van Vught et al. Brit J Nutr. 2013;109:1031-9

Ref: Van Vugh AJ et al. Br J Nutr (2013), 109, 1031-1039. Dietary arginine and linear growth: the Copenhagen school child intervention study.

March 17, 2020

Importance of Physical Activity For Growth

Are you allowing your child to be in front of a screen too much? Learning from technology is good, but moderation is key. Here are some activities that are helpful to your child’s development.

2 to 3 years old
3 years onword

Plant a Seed

If your child already loves digging, have them help with the garden. Teach your child to water the plants every day and to remove the pests from it too. Your child will learn how a plant grows as they take care of it day by day.

Zoo Visits

Going to the zoo with your child is a learning experience for them and will spark their curiosity. Seeing a lion or a giraffe for the first time will make an impression on your child, and will have them talking about it for days.

Toy Wash

Perfect indoor (or outdoor) activity for your child. Get one tub with soap and another one without. Not only is it a fun activity for your child, it combats bacteria that are lurking on the toys.

Go for a Picnic

Set a picnic date and prepare simple food like sandwiches, crisps, biscuits, and drinks that both your child and you would enjoy. It’s an eye-opening experience for your child to explore the world outside.

Little Kitchen Helper

Allow your child to help you in the kitchen when you prepare a meal. Teach your child to wash vegetables or let him or her beat an egg. It’s a great opportunity for your child to play at being a sous-chef.

Treasure Hunt

Make a list of items to hide around the house. Give your child clues (written or drawn) for them to find.

2 To 3 Years Old

Plant a Seed

Zoo Visits

Toy Wash

Perfect indoor (or outdoor) activity for your child. Get one tub with soap and another one without. Not only is it a fun activity for your child, it combats bacteria that are lurking on the toys.

3 Years Onward

Go for a Picnic

Little Kitchen Helper

Treasure Hunt

Make a list of items to hide around the house. Give your child clues (written or drawn) for them to find.

March 17, 2020

Importance of Appetite For Growth

Why Your Child’s Appetite Matters?

Adequate or a complete and balanced nutrition will greatly influence appetite regulation and growth rate in your child. A balanced diet should have enough carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers with food and alternatives (eg. Pediasure 3+). Each one of those has a specific purpose purpose for growth and development by supporting immunity, building healthy eating habits, and learning ability.¹^,⁴

Good Appetite Keeps Immune System Strong

The homebase for immunity for your child is in the gut (good bacteria) and their main source of food is Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) or dietary fibers from plant-based sources. To replenish the gut bacteria, you can add probiotic rich foods like yogurt or fermented foods with live cultures (eg. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus). But since most of these types of food have strong flavors, nutritional alternatives like Pediasure 3+ can be used. It is rich in vitamin C, E, Zinc and selenium, known as “Antioxidants”, to support the body’s fight against free radicals that harm healthy cells.¹

Optimizes Growth and Learning Ability

In the initial 5 years of a child’s life, nutrition is very important, or there may be developmental delays and growth issues. Usually, increased hunger and weight gain are signs of growth, if your child is not showing either sign, your child might be undernourished. Food is energy and a child who is lacking in energy will not be able to concentrate nor keep up with academics. The brain requires a lot of nutrients to function, and deficiencies hinders communication, memory, and oxygen distribution (blood flow). For this a child will need plenty of good quality carbohydrates, proteins, Linoleic Acids (omega 6), and iron. A varied diet of liver, lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and iron-fortified foods or nutritional supplements should suffice.²^,³

More Likely to Carry Good Eating Habits to Adulthood

Those initial 5 years of their life is also an important time to teach children to have a good relationship with food.¹^,² Healthy eating habits are what will prevent obesity, eating disorders, and not be distracted by hunger. Since children learn from their parents, it is good practice to model healthy eating habits yourself. You may not have control over their taste preferences, but you do have control over the quality. Study important nutrients your child needs more of and learn to read food labels. When you know what food item is best for what nutrient, you can begin to make healthy swaps for otherwise nutritionally poor items your child likes.¹^,³

A good appetite is essential for achieving optimal growth in areas of physical, mental, and the immune system. Help them eat regular meals, but when your child needs an extra boost for a more complete & balanced nutrition, Pediasure 3+ can help. Pediasure 3+ has been formulated with 37 vital nutrients to help catch up growth for children who need it. ^^ Now enriched with arginine and vitamin K2, it provides key nutrients to promote development of strong bones and build muscle tissues.

Want to get a free sample? Please visit Pediasure Myanmar today to sign up.

References:

https://pediasure.in/child-nutrition/child-growth-and-development
https://vikaspedia.in/health/nutrition/nutrition-and-growth
https://www.child-encyclopedia.com/child-nutrition/according-experts/feeding-skill-appetite-and-feeding-behaviours-infants-and-young
https://pediasuremyanmar.com/formulation-support/
https://abbottfamily.com.sg/products/page/pediasure

^^ Alarcon PA, et al. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2003

March 17, 2020

Food Guide for Healthy Nutrition

Easy Fat, Fiber, and Essential Nutrients Guide

When we try to define what a balanced nutrition for a child is, it is all about the vitamins and minerals. Since too much fat can be unhealthy, worrywart parents go to the extreme as to putting their child on a “no fat” diet. Healthy fats & fibers are essential for energy, support cell growth, protect our organs, help with nutrient absorption, produce hormones and even keep us warm. There are plenty of healthy fat food sources and it can also be provided through select supporting nutritional supplements (eg, Pediasure).¹^,⁸

Fat is not your Foe

Fats can come from vegetable products like nuts, beans, and seeds and as for meats, healthiest is from fish. Coincidentally, these food sources for fat are also the primary sources for Omega 3 (α-Linolenic acid) fatty acid, Omega 6 (Linoleic acid), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Vitamin E.¹^,³ Besides providing a certain layer of cushion for our organs, it is a type of energy source for our bodies. Also, certain fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are important for muscle & bone tissue building, require fats for absorption. Though fat is not directly responsible for calcium absorption, it does it through improving vitamin D absorbency.¹^,²

Fiber is your friend

Fibers are important for intestinal functions like the feeling of fullness and regulation of bowel movements. Children who have healthy servings of fiber in their diet are at lower risk of cholesterol and blood sugar related diseases developing in the future. This is because fiber slows down glucose and fat absorption, while preventing you from overeating. A child’s gut does not naturally produce the enzymes needed for fiber digestion, so it relies on good gut bacteria you get from eating enriched or fermented foods. Fiber is their food and it gives them the energy to fight off the bad ones. Thankfully, fiber rich foods are not hard to find and the majority of your child’s favorite fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole grains contain plenty.⁴^,⁵

How about supplements

As children are, it can be difficult to make them eat something they do not like. For instances like these, nutrition supplements can be used to fill in nutrient gaps from food. Formulated with 37 essential vitamins and minerals, including growth supporting amino acids like Arginine, high quality proteins, and prebiotic fibers FOS (Fructooligosaccharides).^{6, 7} Validated by more than 20 clinical studies, Pediasure is a complete and balanced nutritional supplement that can help improve digestion, increase appetite, and sustain optimal body growth for even the pickiest of eaters.^6,⁸

Good nutrition absorption does provide the nutrients, but also relies on the quality of mediums like healthy fats and fibers for support. It is in the power of the parents to provide all the help they can. Pediasure is a nutrition you can be sure of to help your child grow up happy.

Consult a Pediatrician or related medical professional to find out if Pediasure is right for your child. Visit Pediasure Myanmar today for additional child nutrition tips or to request product samples.⁸

References:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fat.html
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/ask-well-eating-fat-to-boost-vitamin-d-and-calcium/#:~:text=The%20reason%20is%20that%20dietary,Dr.
https://www.livestrong.com/article/13731635-foods-high-in-healthy-fat/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/figuring-dietary-fiber-child-need/
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/prebiotics-overview
Alarcon PA, et al. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2003
Huynh DT, et al. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015
https://pediasuremyanmar.com/formulation-support/