Introduction
For young children, food is the primary source of energy. Children have many needs that must be met through nutrition. These include adequate energy and nutrient intake that balance macro- (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals). The high energy requirements of children must be met in time to promote growth and development. The dietary regime is only sometimes observed for various reasons, but the desire for a competent nutrition organization should be.
The Nutritional Needs of Early Childhood
The proper nutritional needs of children are expressed in the need to obtain not only the essential energy molecules but also many complex micronutrients. The reasoning is that growing children have high energy requirements and require more calories per unit of body weight than adults (Leyer, 2020). They have high needs for certain nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are the three main macronutrients, and all play essential roles in the body (Roth & Wehrle, 8 of Ch. 1). Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source, fats are essential for growth and development, and proteins are essential for tissue repair and growth (Leyer, 2020). Providing children with a balanced diet of these macronutrients is essential to their overall health. Vitamins are vital for various body functions, including metabolism, immunity, and bone health. Minerals are necessary for many body functions, including fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve function (Suha, 2020). Properly including vitamins and minerals in the diet will avoid many developmental problems.
The Nutritional Concerns of Early Childhood
Many nutritional problems can occur in early childhood, such as malnutrition, obesity, food allergies, and iron deficiency. Childhood obesity can lead to serious health problems in adulthood, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, and stroke. Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, developmental delays, and other health problems (Suha, 2020). They can cause a range of symptoms from mild (such as hives or itching) to severe (such as anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction. Action is needed on the part of society to keep children from having nutritional problems and not disrupt their nutritional needs.
Alleviation of These Concerns
Existing fears can be minimized by ensuring children have access to nutritious foods. Leyer (2020) points out that it is essential to teach children how to eat healthy foods and encourage them to consume them. Providing clear and engaging food information will make it easier for children to experience food (Roth & Wehrle, 18 of Ch. 2). It is important to teach children proper eating habits: regular eating and drinking patterns.
Another way to alleviate nutritional concerns in early childhood is to prevent obesity. Children should have access to healthy foods by teaching them portion control and the importance of an active lifestyle. In addition, it is vital to monitor children’s weight and provide support for those who struggle with their weight. An important aspect is the careful tolerance of discrimination to avoid the development of pathological mental states.
Finally, micronutrient deficiencies can be addressed by expanding the foods that enter the child’s diet. For example, iron deficiency is a fairly common problem among children. One of the best ways to prevent iron deficiency in early childhood is to ensure that children have access to foods rich in iron. This can be accomplished by including iron-rich foods in the diet and teaching children the importance of including them in their diets.
Conclusion
Thus, children have high energy needs that must be met. First, this is realized by increasing access to protein- and micronutrient-rich foods. Secondly, in the absence of proper nutritional behavior, problems arise with obesity, allergies, or deficiency of essential ions. Third, such problems can be solved by organizing an adequate diet and assisting in enriching food knowledge. Consequently, it is the responsibility of society to teach children from an early age a culture of nutrition.
References
Leyer, B. Freytag. (2020). A nutrition guide for early childhood active stakeholders.
Roth, R. A., & Wehrle, K. L. (2017). Nutrition & diet therapy (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Suha, K. (2020). The importance of nutrition for development in early childhood. [Master’s thesis, California State University, San Bernardino]. Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations.