#CulturePH - Fuel Your Children's Success and Health This Year with Proper Nutrition
As we welcome the new year, it's the perfect time to focus on better health outcomes for our children. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in their growth, development, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, malnutrition remains a persistent challenge for many Filipino children, affecting their physical and cognitive development.
The Importance of Proper Nutrition
Malnutrition can lead to undernutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and even obesity. These issues often stem from limited awareness and access to proper resources. According to data from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM-2), one in three Filipino children experiences stunted growth or malnutrition. This can have lasting effects on their development and future success.
Building a Strong Foundation
Parents can set their children up for a successful and healthy year by providing a strong foundation of proper nutrition and encouraging healthy eating habits. Ensuring that children receive the right nutrients is essential for combating malnutrition and supporting their growth.
Key Nutrients for Growth
Healthy growth and development begin in the kitchen. Preparing meals together ensures children get key macronutrients and essential minerals, laying a strong foundation for their well-being while strengthening family connections. Here are some key nutrients to focus on:
Protein: Essential for tissue repair and growth in muscles, skin, organs, and more. Include lean meats, dairy, eggs, and legumes in meals.
Iron: Helps deliver oxygen to the body’s cells and supports overall development. Iron-rich foods include meat, eggs, and leafy greens.
Zinc: Plays a key role in cell growth and immune function. Foods like beef, spinach, and beans are excellent sources.
Arginine: Supports bone cell growth and stimulates growth hormone release. Found in nuts, grains, legumes, meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products.
Vitamin K2: Aids calcium absorption and transport into bones, promoting stronger bones and better bone density. Found in fermented products like yogurt and cheese, along with meat and eggs.
Addressing Nutritional Gaps
While essential nutrients are readily available in everyday foods, it’s beneficial to ensure that children receive ample amounts to support their growing bodies and minds. If necessary, parents should consult their pediatricians for guidance on supplements or formulations that can help meet their child's nutritional needs.
Special formulations like PediaSure Plus, scientifically designed with 37 growth nutrients, including Natural Vitamin K2 for strong bones and added Arginine for faster linear growth, offer targeted support for children's development.
Expert Advice
"Understanding and being attentive to your children's dietary needs is vital for their growth and development. Providing a balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like Arginine and Vitamin K2 can promote bone growth and overall physical development. Ensuring they receive proper nutrition through a healthy diet, supplemented with the right formulations when necessary, optimizes their health and helps them reach their full potential," said Dr. Jose Dimaano, Jr., Nutrition Medical Director for Asia Pacific at Abbott.
Start the Year Strong
Incorporating Arginine and Vitamin K2 into children’s diets presents an effective approach to addressing stunted growth. By prioritizing these essential nutrients, parents and caregivers can confidently support healthy growth and development, helping children start the year strong and reach their full potential in life.
Comments
Post a Comment