Early nutrition intervention between 2 to 6 years and its impact on growth

Nutrition is an essential part of healthy growth and lifestyle. A balanced diet is highly essential to fulfil dietary requirements. The growth of children depends on nutrition. It boosts the immune system and helps maintain a healthy body. Eating unhealthy foods leads to malnutrition or overnutrition, which seriously threatens their health. Being overweight and underweight is a problem worldwide.

Importance Of Nutrition

To make your child’s body function properly, parents must include nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates. Children aged 2 to 6 years require a daily average of 1100-1400 calories. Children’s appetite depends on age, size, and activities they are involved in. Accordingly, the portion size of the meals should be decided. Start by giving a small quantity of food and gradually increase, if needed.

Nutritional Requirements

While preparing a meal, one must include all the nutrients to fulfil their dietary needs. Some of the food ideas to be included in their diet are: -

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Encourage your children to eat fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables from an early age. For example, apples, papaya, orange, banana, spinach, peas, beans, cauliflower, etc.
• Protein-rich food like eggs,meat,nuts, soybeans, lentils, legumes, peanuts, oats, etc.
• Calcium-rich food like milk, curd, cottage cheese, low-fat dairy products, etc.
• Include whole–grain meals, like bread, moong dal, oatmeal, etc.
• Reduce sugar and salt intake in the child’s meals. Add dairy products to the diet.
• Discourage the consumption of junk food.

Ideal Nutritional Level For 2 To 6 Years Of Group Age

Parents must understand what their children demand to eat. Avoid overeating, especially junk food. You must know what your child likes. Children must be given a well-balanced nutritious diet. Carbohydrates and minerals must be included to provide energy to the child’s body. Increase the intake of fruits and green leafy vegetables. Reduce sugar and salt consumption as it negatively affects a child’s health. Protein-rich foods like meat, chicken, nuts, and pulses should be included. And a calcium-rich diet must be encouraged to enable stronger bones and normal body functioning. Children should be encouraged to participate in physical activities like playing, yoga, or meditation. Motivate your children to live a healthy lifestyle for proper growth and upbringing.

Good nutrition supports a child’s growth and development. It stabilises the child’s energy, strengthens bones and teeth, prevents chronic disease and infections, boosts the immune system, promotes physical growth, mental health, etc.

IN-PDS-DEC-2022-1670579211

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