Vishnupriya Essential Nutrition
Table of Contents
The happiness, hope, and future of every family depend on the children. A mother must ensure the proper growth and health of her children by providing them with the necessary food. Children require nutritious food for their physical growth and overall health. During periods of rapid growth, they need higher amounts of protein for growth, carbohydrates for energy, and fats.
Children differ from adults in that they are always in a state of growth. The most significant periods of growth occur during infancy and the first two years after birth. From birth to about a year or a year and a half, children are very active, frequently moving their arms and legs. After this, they continue to run and play actively until they reach adulthood. All these activities require energy. A healthy mother can take good care of her child, as the baby receives most of its nutrients from the mother’s body during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
Lactation
Therefore, if a mother does not consume nutritious food during pregnancy and lactation, it can negatively affect the nutrition of the fetus and the child, leading to stunted growth. For a 70 kg adult, the protein requirement is approximately 70 grams for maintaining health. In comparison, a growing child weighing 7 kg needs about 21 grams of protein. This means that a child weighing one-tenth (10%) of an adult’s weight requires 20% of the adult’s protein requirement.
Specifically, adults need around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, while children need 2-3 grams per kilogram. Similarly, children also require a significant amount of calories. They need approximately 100-120 calories per kilogram of body weight, with 15-20 calories exclusively for growth. In contrast, adults require about 50 calories per kilogram of body weight. Pregnant and lactating mothers need the same amounts of protein and calories as their babies. Water is another essential nutrient for children. Since children’s bodies are about 70% water, they require ample hydration.
Hydration
While adults typically consume 2%-4% of their body weight in water, children need to consume 40%-45% of their body weight in water to function properly. For adults, the requirement is about 50 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight, while for children, it is 100-120 milliliters. For example, a 70 kg person requires 1,400 milliliters of water, while a 7 kg baby needs at least 700 milliliters. Mothers who fail to recognize these essential hydration needs may not provide enough water for their children, leading to increased discomfort during hot weather. Additionally, when babies and children suffer from common illnesses like fever, colds, diarrhea, or coughs, their protein and calorie needs increase. Serious illnesses, such as measles, further heighten these requirements. This is why children may become stunted and emaciated during sickness.
Mal Nutrition
Moreover, conditions like vomiting and diarrhea can lead to a loss of essential nutrients in the intestines, causing malnutrition. Every organ in the body grows and develops according to its natural needs. The brain and its nerve connections grow rapidly in the first five years of life, necessitating a higher intake of protein and calories for optimal brain development. If the nutrients essential for brain development are lacking, it can lead to damage. Both boys and girls experience rapid growth spurts between the ages of 1 and 2, as well as just before puberty, making nutritional intake during these times crucial.
It is a misconception that restricting food for girls will prepare them for future motherhood; instead, girls also need proper nutrition during their growth phases. In addition to protein and calories, growing children require other vital nutrients. As their muscles develop, they need iron, which is typically low in breast milk and cow’s milk; therefore, iron-rich foods, such as spinach, should be introduced around four months of age. Rapid bone growth necessitates vitamin D to strengthen bones, while vitamins A and C are essential for the healthy development of the intestines, respiratory system, and eyesight.
Each nutrient plays a vital role in development. Growing children have a heightened need for vitamins D and C. While many children suffer from stunting due to insufficient protein and calories, the lack of vitamin D can lead to conditions like rickets that may not be immediately obvious.
Conclusion
Moreover, excessive consumption of rice can result in a deficiency of vitamin B (thiamine), leading to a condition known as “beriberi.” Vitamin A is also crucial; without enough protein, vitamin A cannot be effectively utilized in the body, which can lead to vision loss and diseases like Kwashiorkor and Marasmic Kwashiorkor. For children to grow healthily, their diet must include all the necessary nutrients. Meat, fish, and other protein-rich foods play an important role in meeting these dietary needs.
