Children nutrition in growing years:-
School years a span of 6 to 12 years are marked with
distinct physical and mental growth. These days a lot of emphasis on the
academic performance and excellence in extra-curricular activities; very
often not realizing that the core
requirements of success are sound health and nutritional status of children at
this age.As children grow they participate in numerous activities while food
becomes a secondary area of interest.Their tastes are influenced by eating
habits of the family, media, fast-food ready to eat snacks, etc.
Growth and development in school years:-On an average
the steady growth in middle childhood results in an increase in the height
of a little over 2 inches in a year in both boys and girls weight gain averages
about 2.9 kg a year. Children experience rapid development of small muscles, have
full set of permanent teeth and vision reaches
full maturity during school age.
Energy and Protein needs:-Physical growth and development in this period is highly
dependent on generic makeup diet and physical activity. Lack of proper
nutrition and exercise can influence a child’s development. Since school
children have a high requirement of nutrients but a smaller appetite to fulfill
these needs all their meals should be nutritionally balanced and nutritionally
dense and well balanced. The average calorie requirement from 6 to 12 years
ranges from 1400 to 2200 for girls and boys. The average protein requirement in this
age is around 1.18kg of body weight per day. Children thus require good quality
high biological value protein to support growth and development.
Fruits and vegetables:-Vegetables
supply vitamins, including vitamins A and C and folate, minerals such as iron and
magnesium, and fiber-rich food. Fruits provide Vitamin A and C Potassium. They
are also low in fat and sodium. Children should thus be provided with 5
servings of vegetables and fruit each day.
Micronutrient requirements:- School
children may be at increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies owing to
increased energy expenditure combined with decreased meal frequency and
parasitic infections. The severity of parasitic infections such as hookworm is
highest in this age group. Single micronutrient deficiencies seldom occur in
isolation but instead interact and tend to cluster. For example, Iron deficiency
and vitamin A deficiency often coexist in the same populations. According to a comprehensive study of morbidity in school-age children; The overall intake of iron, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin A was
significantly less than the recommended dietary allowance(RDA).
Providing Vitamin A supplementation can both improve vitamin A status as well
as Iron metabolism in deficient populations.Having a diet with foods that
are high in calcium to meet daily requirements is necessary for the development
of strong bones in children. School-age children require about 600-800 mg of
calcium each day.Once they begin their calcium requirements increase.
A study conducted on 300 healthy children
between seven and 10.05 years of age concluded that children receiving the micronutrient supplementation had a significant improvement in aerobic capacity and endurance
after 120 days. Children in the micronutrient group significantly improved in the status of iron, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxal phosphate, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin B12.
Overweight and Obesity:-Overweight
and obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent. A rapid shift in the
composition of diet higher fat and high calorie-reduced activity patterns and the subsequent shift in body composition characterized this transition. Overweight
children are more likely to become obese adults and therefore they are at an
increased risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood.The goal for
overweight and obese children and teens is to reduce the rate of weight gain
while allowing normal growth and development. Even overweight children require
nutritionally well-balanced diets to ensure proper growth and development.
Thus sound
nutrition in childhood can reinforce healthy eating habits for a lifetime which
helps full potential of mental and physical growth and reduce the risk of
chronic diseases in adulthood.
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