Nutritional deficiencies affect child development
Some deficiencies of essential nutrients for child development, such as iron, Vitamin D or Omega-3 fatty acids, can negatively affect the child's proper development. Achieving an adequate nutritional contribution according to the specific needs of children in each age is key to ensure proper growth.
The importance of breast milk for baby development
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and continue it together with complementary feeding until two years of age. "This period is crucial for the growth and development of the child and has a clear impact on the future health status of the adult", points out Dr. José Maldonado Lozano, from the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit of the Maternal-Infant Hospital Virgen de las Nieves Hospital University Complex of Granada.
In the short term, breast milk offers protection against infections and allergies. In the long term, on different diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension and seems to exert a positive effect on cognitive development. And is that the recommendation of pediatricians and nutritionist is that breast milk is the ideal food for the infant. Not only because it provides the nutrients needed for growth, but also a high content of bioactive factors and probiotic bacteria.
Iron, vitamin D and Omega 3: do not miss the children's diet
Some nutrients such as iron, vitamin D or Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, play an especially relevant role in the infant stage, by directly intervening in the development of motor and cognitive functions, as well as visual acuity. For this reason, Dr. Maldonado Lozano says that "in the case of vitamin D, it is essential that intakes in the first years of life are appropriate, since the lack of this nutrient directly influences the future health of the child In addition, given the fundamental role of Omega-3 DHA in the development of the brain and the retina, the smallest must ingest at least 100 milligrams a day of this nutrient.
Benefits of a balanced diet in the first years of life
Bad eating habits, whims or that the child does not like any food are risk factors. For example, the selective intake or excessively capricious choice of the food you eat can affect growth, both by deficiency and by excess.
Dr. José Manuel Moreno, president of the Nutrition Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), recommends the following foods in children's diet:
1. Blue fish, especially small fish (2 servings a week)
2. Dairy (2-3 daily servings)
3. Red meats (1-2 servings a week)
In the event that a specific nutritional deficiency is identified in the child, Dr. Moreno recommends "resorting to foods specially prepared to meet the needs of children at this stage, such as growth milks, especially those enriched in iron, vitamin D and Omega. -3".
Tips for good nutrition for children
1. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and continue it together with complementary feeding until two years of age
2. Achieve an adequate nutritional contribution according to the specific needs in childhood is key to guarantee the correct growth
3. Lactose intolerance can not be prevented but you can avoid their symptoms by offering the child another type of dairy products such as cheeses, yogurts and lactose-free growth milks
4. Diet during childhood should include the usual consumption of blue fish (after 3 years), especially small fish, white fish, dairy and red meat (1-2 times per week in small portions), main sources of fatty acids, vitamin D and iron, respectively
5. In the event that a nutritional deficiency is identified in the child, It may be of interest to resort to foods specially prepared to meet the needs of children at this stage, such as growth milks enriched with vitamin D.
Marisol Nuevo Espín
Advice:Dr. José Maldonado Lozano, of the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit of the Virgen de las Nieves Maternal and Child Hospital Hospital University Complex of Granada.
