Right nutrition at the right age: Is your child getting it?

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Nutrient overdose in children leading to toxicity is being increasingly reported. Kids of a particular age group receiving nutrients in excess of what their requirements are may have to face problems related with overdose and toxicity. The nutrition requirements of kids vary depending on the age group they belong to.

It is perfectly normal for young children to suddenly decide that they will eat only a few foods and refuse everything else - even foods they used to love. They may eat the same foods over and over again at every meal, refusing to touch any novel food items that are introduced. There are many factors, some of them developmental that explain why kids between 1 and 3 years of age turn into picky eaters. The fact that these little ones are always on the go affects their eating patterns. They don't sit still for anything, even food. Moreover, as kids in the age group of 4 -6 years are often busy either with their studies or with their games, their nutrition suffers. Add to this the urge of the kids in this age group to act independently.

Mothers should not worry too much because fussy eating is a temporary phase and there are ways and means to get around the nutrition related problems kids face at this juncture. Tailor made supplements provide an ideal solution by providing the right nutrition.

“Right nutrition plays a vital role in the attainment of height, in the management of weight and in the development of brain. One should choose a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It is important to ensure that kids receive the right amounts of each nutrient. The requirements of various nutrients are different for kids of different age groups. We have to guard against both insufficiency and overdose. Overdose, like insufficiency, may also lead to various problems”, says Mrs. Bulbin Jose, Senior Dietician, Lakeshore Hospital, Cochin.

Nutrient overdose in children leading to toxicity is being increasingly reported. This may be put down to an improper and incomplete understanding of the nutritional requirements of different age groups. Kids of a particular age group receiving nutrients in excess of what their requirements are may have to face problems related with overdose and toxicity. The easiest way of getting around this problem is to have a tailor made supplement that provides the right nutrition for that particular age group.

A balanced and adequate diet is required to supply the nutrients and energy needed for the growing child. The nutrition requirements of kids vary depending on the age group they belong to.

“Even children with specific dietary needs, such as vegetarians, can meet nutritional needs through foods. Parents need to be sure that these children get enough vitamin B12, which can be obtained through fortified foods; iron and calcium.” says, Mrs. Bulbin Jose, Senior Dietician, Lakeshore Hospital, Cochin.

“However, children are notoriously picky about food choices. Many fall short on potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin D and fibre among other nutrients. Kids don’t eat enough fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Kids of different age groups need specific nutrients in different quantities. So, in order to fill the nutrition gaps in these cases one should always choose a health supplement which is tailor - made as per the requirements of the child…..In other words, a supplement like Junior Horlicks which ensures optimal brain development together with an optimal height and weight gain”.

Tips for mothers to follow:
 Keep your child on a healthy, varied diet with ready access to water between meals.
 Avoid junk food, fast food, convenience foods.
 Provide 5 small meals each day rather than allowing your child to snack or graze all day long. Also include health supplements, which are tailor made for different age groups, in the diet especially for age groups 1-3 yrs and 4-6 yrs.
 Include more of milk, yogurt, cheese, legumes, fruits, veggies, whole grains in the diet.
 Don’t force-feed your child.
 Don’t allow your child to eat while playing, listening to stories, or watching TV. This will lead to “unconscious” eating beyond the point of being full.
Don’t use food as “treats” or as a reward for good behavior