Childhood is a period of rapid growth of physical ,mental, emotional and cognitive development. Any deficiency of vital nutrients like proteins , fats, carbhohydrated, minerals and vitamins during this period has profound effects on complete development of the individual resulting in permanent defects.
Individual nutritional requirements vary with genetic and metabolic differences. Childhood undernutrition remains a major public health problem worldwide resulting in increased mortality and morbidity. For infants and children’s the basic goals of a good nutrition are satisfactory growth and avoidance of deficiency states. Good nutrition helps to prevent acute and chronic illness and to develop physical and mental potential and also provides reserves for stresses.
ENERGY REQUIREMENTS DURING CHILDHOOD:
The energy content of food is expressed in the unit of calories. Energy requirement is different at various age groups. It is highest in the early growing period and deficiency during these crucial period results in long term effects on the child. The energy requirements in a child are :
80-120 calories/kg/day for the 1st year of life and then
70-110 cal/kg/day for 2nd year of life
60-100cal./kg/day for 3rd year of life.
Older child : 55 – 75 cal/kg/day.
ENERGY EXPENDITURE DURING CHILDHOOD :
50% of energy is spent on basal metabolic rate which is the minimum energy for normal function of all the organs during a resting stage.
12% of energy is spent on growth of organs and cells in the body.
25% of energy is spent on physical activity
8% of energy is as daily fecal losses.
Positive growth is the result of balance between energy expenditure and energy intake during childhool.
BALANCED DIET FOR A CHILD :
Proteins should constitute 9-15% of Calories
Carbohydrates should constitute 45-55% of calories
Fats — 35-55% of calorie
A Consistent calorie imbalance of 500 calories /day changes the weight by 500 gms/week.
PROTEINS :
These are essential for growth of muscles and other organs. They provide energy, but the body preserves proteins for body building.
Animal Proteins : These are rich proteins and absolutely essential for growth. These are found in Milk Meat, Fish and Eggs
Vegetable Proteins : These are of poorer quality as compared to animal proteins. They are found in groundnuts, seeds, beans, soya, cereals like rice, corn and wheat.
CARBOHYDRATES :
These are sugar and provide energy to allow organs and muscle to function.
Carbohydrates are found in Milk, wheat, corn millet, rice pasta, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, bananas, various fruits and vegetables.
FATS :
These provide lot of energy in small volume of food. They are a must in a balanced diet.
Fats are found in milk, groundnut, palm oil, olive oil, butter, coconut.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS ;
Fat and water soluble vitamins like A D E K and B complex are essential for
complete growth. Diet should also include minerals like Calcium
Phosphorus, Zinc, copper, Iron and others trace elements are also vital for
growth .
Thus the goal of every parent is to monitor and select good quality food
products which are fresh and healthy for your child and maintain a balance
so that the child is not underweight nor becomes obese.
By
Dr Bhaskar Gupta
Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist
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