One of the factors that support the growth and development of children in their golden period is complete and balanced nutrition. Indeed, the nutritional factor is not the only one, but there are also genetic factors that influence it.
But with complete and balanced nutrition maximizes the growth potential of children. On the other hand, poor nutrition causes stunting which affects the growth and development of children permanently until they are adults.
For this reason, it is important for parents to know the types of vitamins and their functions that are useful for maximizing children's growth.
Here we have summarized the information, quoted from Livestrong:
Types of Vitamins and Their Functions to Maximize Child Growth
Read: 4 Vitamins for Children's Brains That Must Be Consumed!
1. The relationship between vitamins and child growth
It is important to ensure that children eat a complete and balanced diet to prevent vitamin deficiencies that can stunt growth or have a negative impact on the body.
When it comes to vitamins and growth, many people focus on vitamin D because vitamin D is considered a major factor for a child's strong bones. However, it's not just vitamin D, you know, Ma. Children need to get a variety of vitamins and minerals that are important for good physical growth, including:
- Vitamin A: promotes the growth and repair of tissues and bones
- B group of vitamins: supports the formation of bones and teeth
- Vitamin C: healthy bones and tissues
- Calcium: builds strong bones
- Vitamin E: build muscle mass
2. Calories are essential for growth
A lack of minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats, can also stunt growth in children. Likewise, if the child lacks calories.
For children aged 4-8 years, it is recommended to consume 1,200 to 2,000 calories per day. This amount of calories 45% to 65% should come from carbohydrates, 25-35% from fat, and 10-30% from protein.
Meanwhile, children aged 9-13 years need 1,600 to 2,600 calories per day.
3. Effects of vitamin D deficiency on children during growth
Maybe you already know that a lack of vitamin D causes a person to suffer from rickets. However, a lack of vitamin D also has a major effect on children's growth and development. Vitamin D deficiency, especially in boys, increases the risk of children experiencing stunting.
Children can get vitamin D intake from various sources, including sun exposure, milk, yogurt, fish, and oranges. If needed, doctors can provide vitamin D supplements for children with certain conditions. Consult a doctor about the addition of supplements to the child's daily diet.
4. Healthy food choices to maximize child growth
Mothers can serve healthy food every day for children with a variety of servings. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, healthy oils, and lean beef or poultry.
A child who consumes 2,000 calories per day needs about 2.5 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruit, 3 cups of low-fat milk, 5.5 ounces of protein foods, 6 ounces of whole grains, and 6 teaspoons of oil daily.
5. If The child's growth is stagnant or slow, what should parents do?
If you suspect your child is experiencing stagnant or slow growth, talk to your doctor to identify the contributing factors.
A condition called growth hormone deficiency (GHC) occurs when a child's body is unable to produce adequate growth hormone. As a result, the normal growth of the child slows down. Treatment for this condition includes injections of growth hormone over several years.
Hopefully, this information on the types of vitamins and their functions that are useful for maximizing the growth of children can be useful.
