Bridging Nutritional Gaps in Children

Why is the right nutrition for children important during the ages of 7-18 years? 

A healthy child is more than just a number on a scale. It’s about their overall well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. A healthy child has adequate energy levels, sleeps well, and a strong immune system, along with proper cognitive development. Additionally, healthy children are emotionally stable, resilient, and have positive relationships. Both physical and mental development are closely connected with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Children covering the ages of 7-18 years is a transformative period marked by rapid growth both physically and mentally. This stage involves changes in metabolism, hormonal levels as well as development of essential organ systems and nutrient reserves. Nutritionally, these years play a key role in shaping lifelong habits around food, making it a pivotal time to address the links between diet, exercise and body. However, the demands of balancing school, extracurricular activities add a unique layer of complexities (Desbrow, 2021). Peer influence becomes a strong factor in adolescent choices, including eating habits. While snacks are common in teen diets, their quality is crucial. Many snack foods and sweetened beverages are calorie dense yet low in nutrients, which often contains excessive salt or sugar. Choosing nutritious options is essential, as good nutrition supports growth, development and overall wellbeing of children (Pries et al., 2019). 

How does nutrient intake affect children’s growth?

While growth may seem to require only a small portion of a child's total energy intake, the rate of growth serves as a critical indicator of overall nutritional adequacy (Butte, 2000). Given their rapid growth and increased energy demands, children's nutritional needs are disproportionately high relative to their size. This is especially true for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, as both under and overnutrition can aggravate healthcare needs and limit participation in education and social activities. Essential micronutrients for children aged 7-18 years include vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats are equally vital for their growth, development, and overall health.

Certain micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone development, these nutrients work synergistically to enhance bone density and strength, reducing the risk of fractures later in life (Jinnah, 2023). Iron is crucial for cognitive development and energy metabolism, iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, impairing physical and mental performance (Walsh et al., 2024). Zinc is important for immune function and growth; zinc deficiency can increase susceptibility to infections and hinder growth rates. Folate is vital for DNA synthesis and repair, folate is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as adolescence (Savarino et al., 2021) (Ekweagwu et al., 2008). Omega-3 DHA is also an essential nutrient which plays a vital role in cognitive development in all ages.

In a recent study it was seen that younger children, aged 6-9 years, surprisingly have a higher proportion of adequate micronutrient intake (36%) compared to older children, aged 10-13 years (29%) and 14-17 years (15%). This is despite the fact that younger children require fewer micronutrients due to their lower energy needs. This suggests that younger children might be consuming a more diverse range of nutrient-rich foods or their bodies might be more efficient at absorbing these nutrients. However, it's crucial to remember that even though the proportion is higher, younger children still need a balanced diet to meet their overall nutrient needs (Hatice, Pars et al.,2019). 

What kind of nutritional deficiencies occur in children?

Nutritional deficiencies among children aged 7-18 years are a significant global health concern, particularly in developing regions like India. Common deficiencies like iron, vitamin A, iodine, and zinc are prevalent, leading to energy, vitamin, and mineral shortages. These deficiencies can have severe consequences on children's growth and development, impairing cognitive function, stunting growth, and weakening their immune systems. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies often occur simultaneously, further exacerbating health problems. A study by Venkatesh et al. (2021) revealed high rates of vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and iodine deficiencies among Indian children. To address these issues, it is crucial to provide children with adequate nutrition and balanced meals, which in turn will foster healthy eating habits.

How can parents bridge children's nutritional gaps? 

Unived's Junior's Superfood Protein and Daily Nutrition supplements are carefully formulated to support children’s unique requirements for healthy growth and development. Each formulation offers a plant-based protein, along with essential micronutrients and other important nutrients.

Junior's Superfood Protein provides 15g of high-quality pea protein with essential electrolytes, fibre from flaxseeds, supergreens, and complete plant-based vitamins to support growth, hydration, and overall health. Probiotics are included to enhance digestive wellness, and the formula is free from added sugars, ensuring a nutritious and balanced option for active young individuals.

Unived's Junior’s Daily Nutrition supplement provides 15g of high-quality pea protein, delivering essential amino acids to support growth and muscle development. The blend is enhanced with crucial electrolytes to aid hydration, a full spectrum of plant-based vitamins to meet recommended daily allowances (RDA), and key minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc for bone health and immune function. This supplement helps children meet their daily requirement of protein, vitamins and minerals, along with supporting a healthy gut.

Unived's Juniors Superfood Protein and Daily Nutrition supplements are completely vegan & sugar-free, making them an ideal choice for health-conscious parents seeking balanced, nutritious supplements to bridge nutritional gaps in their children's diet.

References:

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