It goes without saying that a newborn baby is dependent on good parenting for physical growth and psychological development. If you are a parent of an infant, you would know a great deal goes into raising a baby. As a parent, if you are concerned about the most essential child care tips you should pay heed to, you have come to the right place. Today, we will discuss the immense importance of micronutrients in a child’s diet for proper brain and cognitive development.
A new born baby requires optimum
nutrition to meet the needs for proper physical and mental development. The
nutrients required are categorized into two parts, namely - micronutrients and
macronutrients.
Micronutrients are those
nutrients which one requires in small quantity. They have a vital role to play
in the all-round development of a child. Neglecting the need of these nutrients
in your child’s diet can result in developmental issues like stunted growth, or
developmental disorders like Niacin deficiency.[1]
Micronutrients for Proper Physical Growth and Psychological Development
Compared to body cells, brain
neurons are more susceptible to dietary chemicals and nutrients. It has been
stated that 70% of brain development occurs during fetal life and the rest
takes place in early childhood (pre-school years).[2]
This awareness is important, to assure that new mothers do not miss including
micronutrients in the daily diet for infants. Negligence in proper diet of a
child can result in the sub-clinical micronutrient deficiency, also referred as
‘hidden hunger’.
Hidden hunger can affect the full
genetic potential of a child for proper physical growth and complete mental
development. This happens because micronutrients are responsible for enabling
the body to produce essential enzymes and hormones, for proper physical and
mental growth in a new born baby.
Role of Micronutrients in the diet of Toddlers
Micronutrient comprises of
vitamins and minerals, and each of them has a different role to play for
different body functions. Following are the roles of important micronutrients
in the human body:
Vitamin A strengthens the immune system and improves vision.
Vitamin A is also required for stronger bones. Egg yolk, whole milk, spinach,
broccoli and oranges are good sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin D plays a role in regulating calcium levels in blood and is
also good for healthy bones. The best source of vitamin D comes from sunlight.
However, foods such as tuna, salmon, orange juice and breakfast cereals are the
best food options to get Vitamin A.
Folate or Folic Acid is a micronutrient which helps in cell
division and the synthesis of DNA. Legumes, grains, and leafy vegetables are
good sources of Folate.
Calcium is an essential
micronutrient, important in the formation of bones and teeth. It also plays a
role in maintaining healthy cellular metabolism. Dairy foods are major sources
of calcium. Kale, Chinese Cabbage, and Turnip are also enriched with this essential
nutrient.
Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of the
body, apart from supporting the development of the brain and nervous system.
Beef, liver, oysters are rich heme iron sources whereas tofu, spinach and
legumes can be consumed for non-heme iron.
Zinc is also a micronutrient, which is important for normal
physical growth. Foods like oysters, beef and legumes are good sources of Zinc.
A healthy lifestyle and proper
nutrition are the pillars of proper physical and psychological development of a
child. Not including these essential micronutrients in your child’s diet can
lead to issues like, impaired physical or cognitive development, also referred
to as stunted growth.
Hope this article has been able to provide some important insights
about your child’s proper micronutrition demands and how to cater them.
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