Author(s):
1. Nida Asghar:
Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University College of Montgomery,Sahiwal,Pakistan
2. Shakeel Hussain:
Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University College of Montgomery,Sahiwal,Pakistan
3. Aamna Shahid:
National Institute of Food Science and Technology,UAF, Faisalabad,Pakistan
Abstract:
Pediatric nutrition is the maintenance of a diet required at the various stages of child development consisting of a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients and adequate calorie intake necessary to promote growth, development, and physiological functions. It includes the nutrition for children from infancy upto 18 years of age. This period of life is the best time for the provision of adequate and balance nutrition to reduce the risk of malnutrition which leads to complicated diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding is a complete diet for the infants up to 0-6 months because breastfeeding provides all the essential nutrients needed by the body for immunological protection, growth and development. Its unique composition provides all the nutrients like vitamins and minerals, water, various essential fatty acid, hormones and antibodies which protect from respiratory tract infection, and the risk for sudden infant death syndrome. Breastfeeding makes the child more intelligent according to a research. Whereas prolonged breastfeeding is correlated with high cognitive skills. Children up to 12 to 24 months also fed on breastfeeding coupled with appropriate complementary feeding. In complementary feeding you can start with a single baby rice cereals or pureed iron-rich pureed food. Mashed potatoes or meat, banana or other soft food pureed introduce firstly. Then gradually try to introduce foods from all food groups this will helps to prevents from different food allergies. Children who skip breakfast have high probability to getting ‘hangry’ (hungry and angry) while at school. So giving children breakfast is too important for their overall development. To maintain the proper nutrition an appropriate balance of diet with exercise and healthy lifestyle is important. Choose the foods from all food groups including dairy products, protein, fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Eating a variety of food keeps the meals flavorful and colorful which attract the children. Use of dairy products provide calcium that are important to strengthen the bones and teeth. Fruits and vegetable provide antioxidant and have anti-inflammatory properties that helps to fight against different infection and diseases. Whole grain instead of processed are the healthier option which provides bulkiness and relieves constipation. Meat and nuts are good source of protein required for tissue development. Use vegetable oils which contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids may aid sleep quality. Apart from this, physical activity also plays an important role to strengthen bone and growth. Better nutrition in childhood prevents from complication in later life by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and malnutrition.
Page(s):
37-37
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: International Food & Nutrition Conference" August 18th-20th, 2022, University of Swat, Swat (Book of Abstracts), Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2022
Keywords:
Healthy kids
,
balance diet
,
Importance of breastfeeding
,
Infants growth and development
,
Healthy eating for children
,
Nutrition for pediatrics
References:
References are not available for this document.
Citations
Citations are not available for this document.