The power of nutrition in child and adolescent

Childhood and adolescence are critical stages in the life of an individual, and feeding them is important. As for adults, nutrient intakes for children should cover the energy needs, but they must also ensure growth. The quantitative and qualitative aspect of their food is taken into account. Child nutrition is a key element of nutrition policy because a poor diet during childhood not only affects children's health but will also sometimes have a dramatic impact on their health after becoming adults. Like adults, the daily intake of infants, children and adolescents include proteins (11 to 15% of total energy intake, AET), carbohydrates (50 to 55% of AET), lipids (30 35% of the AET), vitamins and minerals.

[...] Studies have demonstrated that deficiencies in omega 3 fatty acids affect the growth of infants and children especially brain development. However, these nutrient deficiencies are rarely seen in Western countries. The inadequate intake of iron in turn is more frequent. The digestive absorption of iron is rather low among children however the bioavailability of iron is increased in breast milk, so that when the infant is breastfed their iron needs are met. Infants aged between 0 and 6 months will need about 400mg calcium and 500mg of 6 months to 1 year. [...]

[...] In this sense, the qualitative aspect of food is essential, we must advocate and foods rich in nutrients and ensure that food is fit for the age and physical activity of children. As mentioned previously, foods to avoid are those too high in fat, especially saturated fat, too rich in simple sugars and salt. Over consumption of these nutrients increase the risks of being overweight and developing conditions associated with overweight such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. To know if a food contains too just look at the labels: Fat: Total Quantity: important than 20g/100g Product low: less than or equal to 3g/100g Product Amount of saturated fatty acids: important than 5g/100g Product low: less than or equal to 1.5 g/100g of product. [...]

[...] This period of rapid growth of the child is marked by an increase in hemoglobin and iron stores, resulting in increased needs. This deficiency may also be due to the fact that children at this age are mainly fed milk or milk is low in iron. Iron exists in two forms in foods: hemoglobin iron, found in meat and fish, and non-hemoglobin iron found in vegetables, eggs and dairy products, the first being much better absorbed by the body than the second. [...]