If a child is growing slowly or is small for his age, nutritious meals are often a good place to start, but that might not be enough. Some children are picky eaters and simply do not have the eating habits to ensure that they are receiving sufficient nutrition they need at mealtimes. Thus, healthy snacks for kids can help provide nutrients that support optimal growth, especially when it comes to protein.

Jennifer Williams, Masters in Public Health, pediatric nutrition researcher with Abbott, explains that protein supplies the raw materials growing bodies need to build cells, tissues, muscles and bones. Sufficient daily protein intake also plays an important role in the metabolism of other nutrients, the formation of red blood cells and strengthening of the immune system¹.

References:
¹ Abbott Nutrition News. (2018, 1 August). Abbott. Retrieved from https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/pregnancy-childhood/infant-toddler/why-kids-need-healthy-protein-snacks/
² Xue, Y., Zhao, A., Cai, L., Yang, B., Szeto, I., Ma, D., Zhang, Y. & Wang, P. (2015, 13 April). Growth and Development in Chinese Pre- Schoolers with Picky Eating Behaviour: A Cross-Sectional Study. PLOS ONE. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0123664
³ Goh DY, Jacob A. Perception of picky eating among children in Singapore and its impact on caregivers: a questionnaire survey. Asia Pac Fam Med. 2012 Jul 20;11(1):5. doi: 10.1186/1447-056X-11-5. PMID: 22816553; PMCID: PMC3477031.
⁴ Health Hub. (2018, 29 January). Health Promotion Board. Retrieved from https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/192/recommended_dietary_allowances
⁵ Singapore’s Child. (2016, 10 August). Food & Health. Retrieved from http://singaporeschild.com.sg/does-your-child-have-bad-eating-habits/
⁶ Health Hub. (2018, 3 October). Health Promotion Board. Retrieved from https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1264/growing-kid-raising-healthy-kids
⁷ PediaSure Recipes. (2019, 6 February). Abbott Family. Retrieved from https://abbottfamily.com.sg/pediasure-recipes

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