Growth and nutrition

The pre-school years are a time of rapid growth in children. At this age, the brain develops and children start developing memory and building attention skills. So, it is necessary to provide them adequate nutrition at this age and in the subsequent years for optimum growth and development.1

But, unfortunately, up to 50% children are notorious for being picky eaters that can make them miss out on important nutrients.2

Picky-eaters eat less amount of food, especially vegetables, are unwilling to try new foods, and have strong preferences for certain foods.2

First, let us understand why children are picky eaters.

As children grow up, they transition from being completely dependent on their mothers or caretakers for food to being independent, talkative beings who are strong enough to select what they like and reject what they don’t. Temper tantrums become common and parents often get frustrated!1,2

In addition to this, the trend of eating fast food is ever on the rise in children. Fast foods are tempting and children often develop a preference for it. However, these fast or junk foods have high levels of fat and sugars that are not only unhealthy but also addictive.3

Hence, picky eating and preference for fast food may cause children to miss out on foods rich in essential nutrients. This, in turn, can lead to nutrient deficiencies, impaired growth, improper brain development, compromised immunity, and underweight or even overweight!2,3,4

 

Nutritional requirements for growth in children

Carbohydrates:

During childhood, the need for calories is greater as children are in a period of rapid growth. They are more physically active, and have a faster metabolism compared to adults. This higher calorie requirement can be met by providing adequate amounts of carbohydrates present in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and various types of grains and cereals.5

Proteins:

Proteins supply essential amino acids required for building new tissue like muscles, and for repairing wear and tear of older tissues. Good quality protein can be obtained from fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, dairy products, nuts, dried beans, peas, lentils, and soy.5

Fats:

Children should consume sufficient quantities of fat, especially essential fatty acids like Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. 
DHA is required in children for normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It also improves school performance. DHA can come from fatty fish, eggs, meat, flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans, algae, and seaweed.6,7,8  
However, an excess of fat, especially animal fats, should be avoided.5

Vitamins:

Vitamins are essential for growth, development, normal body functions, and for building and maintaining the immune system. Children have a higher requirement of vitamins because of their rapid rate of growth and bone development.9
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K and water-soluble vitamins C and B-complex group, can be obtained in adequate amounts from fresh fruits and vegetables.5

Minerals:

All minerals are necessary for the overall growth of a child. However, two minerals namely calcium and iron are especially important. Calcium is necessary for the rapid growth of bones and for developing teeth. Iron is necessary for the formation of haemoglobin in the blood (haemoglobin transports oxygen to tissues). 
Dairy products like curd and milk, legumes, and leafy vegetables are sources of calcium. Wholemeal bread, breakfast cereals, pulses, beans, peas, dried fruits, fortified cereals, and dark green vegetables, especially broccoli, contains iron.5,9

Probiotics:

Probiotics are good bacteria which support immune function and prevent harmful bacteria growth in the gut when it is disturbed by infections. They can reduce the risk and duration of diarrhoea caused by infections in children.10,11

Tips for managing growth and nutrition in children:

  • Children often have small appetites, so parents should give regular meals in small portions with healthy snacks in between.9
  • In case of picky eating by a child, it is important to have patience. The same food can be re-introduced again after a gap of few days so that the child can adapt to the new taste. Food can even be served to kids in innovative ways to reduce picky eating.12
  • Sugary snacks like soft drinks, sweets, chocolates, highly-sweetened cereals, and fizzy drinks should be avoided.9
  • Nutritious snacks which are low in added sugars should be provided to avoid tooth decay:9
    • These include fruits, raw vegetables (carrots, cucumber, radish, and broccoli), toast, breads, and natural yogurt.
  • Tea and coffee should be avoided by children less than 5 years of age.9
  • At least 1 hour of physical activity should be encouraged in children every day.9

 

How can a nutritional supplement help?

Due to picky-eating, children may be consuming a less nutritious diet that is deficient in essential nutrients. To compensate for this, supplements with all essential nutrients can be given to children to boost growth and development. Research shows that children prefer drinking flavoured beverages over eating solid food; so nutrition in a beverage form would definitely be preferred. 

Our nutritional supplement Groviva® contains 38 key nutrients along with protein, fiber, DHA, probiotics, and
calcium which can help meet the nutrient needs in growing children.

Groviva® is available in delicious vanilla and chocolate flavours that children will love to drink without any fuss!

We suggest giving the child 1 serving of Groviva®, 2 levelled scoops prepared with water, twice a day, along with a balanced diet for complete nourishment and optimal growth.

 

References:

  1. Rosales FJ, Reznick JS, Zeisel SH. Understanding the Role of Nutrition in the Brain & Behavioral Development of Toddlers and Preschool Children: Identifying and Overcoming Methodological Barriers. Nutr Neurosci. 2009 Oct; 12(5):190–202.
  2. Mascola AJ, Bryson SW, Agras WS. Picky eating during childhood: A longitudinal study to age 11-years.  Eat Behav. 2010 Dec; 11(4):253–57.
  3. Kaushik JS, Narang M, Parakh A. Fast Food Consumption in Children. Indian Pediatrics. February 2011. 48:97-101.
  4. Garg P, Williams JA, Satyavrat V.A pilot study to assess the utility and perceived effectiveness of a tool for diagnosing feeding difficulties in children. Garg et al. Asia Pac Fam Med. 2015; 14:7.
  5. Joshi SA. Nutrition and Dietetics with Indian Case Studies. Tata McGraw Hill Education Pvt. Ltd. Third Edition. 2010.
  6. Richardson AJ, Burton JR, Sewell RP, Spreckelsen TF, Montgomery P. Docosahexaenoic Acid for Reading, Cognition and Behavior in Children Aged 7–9 Years: A Randomized, Controlled Trial (The DOLAB Study). PLOS One. 2012. Available from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0043909
  7. Kuratko CN, Barrett EC, Nelson EB, Norman SJ. The Relationship of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) with Learning and Behavior in Healthy Children: A Review. Nutrients. 2013; 5:2777–810
  8. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Essential Fatty Acids. [internet]. [cited 2016 Nov]. Available from: http://www.pcrm.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/health/pv_essential_fatty_acids.pdf
  9. Healthier Scotland. Scottish Executive. nutritional guidance for early years: food choices for children aged 1-5 years in early education and childcare settings. [internet]. [cited 2016 Nov 07]. Available from: http://www.gov.scot/resource/doc/89729/0021563.pdf
  10. Kligler B, Hanaway P, Cohrssen A. Probiotics in children. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007 Dec;54(6):949-67;xi.
  11. Probiotics. [internet]. NHS choices. [cited 2016 Oct 18]. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/probiotics/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  12. Ong C, Phuah KY, Salazar E, How CH. Managing the ‘picky eater’ dilemma. Singapore Med J. 2014 Apr; 55(4):184–90.